Gemotions

The airport buzzed with a low hum, but Amelia barely registered it. She bounced on the balls of her feet, her travel bag swinging wildly. She was finally on her way to her cousin’s wedding! The thought of the open bar, the dancing, and seeing her family again sent a shiver of delight down her spine. The departure board, however, flashed a grim message: Delayed.

Her smile faltered for a moment, but then it rebounded, stronger than before. She clapped her hands together. "Okay, new plan!" she declared, her voice ringing out a little louder than necessary. She marched towards a coffee shop, already imagining the perfect Instagram story.

The airline staff announced a further delay. Amelia's shoulders slumped briefly, then, with a shake of her head, she took a deep breath. She pulled out her phone and began texting her cousin, outlining a whole series of apologies and promises to arrive fashionably late.