Gemotions

The flickering departure board mocked Elara. Her flight to New York, the one meant to get her to her sister's book launch, remained stubbornly marked as "delayed." She paced the gate, each step a frustrated stomp, as if she could will the plane into existence. She overheard a woman on the phone, her voice bubbling with excitement as she described the party. Elara clenched her jaw. She imagined the champagne flutes, the congratulatory hugs, the warm glow of the spotlight on her sister, who would undoubtedly be basking in the adoration.

A knot tightened in her stomach. She pictured her sister’s triumphant smile, the one that always radiated confidence and ease, the kind Elara, despite her own accomplishments, never quite managed to pull off. She reread the confirmation email, the subject line now a cruel reminder of her misfortune. The delay stretched on, a tangible barrier separating her from the celebration, from sharing in the moment, and most importantly, from the limelight.