Gemotions

The air in the departure lounge was thick with tension. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, but it was futile. My grandmother's birthday party – the one thing I'd planned on all year – was now likely a lost cause.

I felt a tremor in my hands as I checked the time for the tenth time in as many minutes. The departure board flashed the dreaded word, "Delayed." My jaw was clenched so tight it ached. I wanted to scream.

I took a sharp exhale, letting it out through pursed lips. The sheer injustice of the situation felt overwhelming. I kicked at a small suitcase with my foot, the action doing nothing to alleviate my inner turmoil.