Gemotions

The airport felt like a purgatory to David. He hadn’t spoken to his father in months, but he'd promised to be there for his birthday, a promise he broke years ago. The plane's cancellation was a cruel joke, a cosmic punishment. He felt the familiar weight pressing down on him.

He picked up his phone, then put it back down. He couldn't face the call. He sat there, picking at the loose threads on his sleeve. Every announcement, every delay, echoed his shortcomings.

He looked around the terminal, at the happy families and laughing friends. A wave of regret washed over him as he pictured his father, alone, waiting. David wasn’t worthy.