Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the armrest, the rhythmic tapping a frantic counterpoint to the announcements of further delays. He was scheduled to be at his best friend’s wedding, a role he'd dreamed of, as the best man. He stared at the Instagram feed of the wedding, each post a fresh stab. The vibrant photos of the pre-ceremony events, the smiling faces, the joyous atmosphere - a sharp contrast to the stale air of the airport.

He saw a photo of the groom, his smile wide and genuine, and a wave of something akin to bitterness washed over him. He knew the speech, the perfect words of friendship and support, prepared for months. Now, it felt like an opportunity stolen, a moment already being shared without him. He was a spectator from a distance, stuck watching the best day of his friend’s life unfold on a screen.