Gemotions

The flickering airport monitor mocked Amelia with its relentless updates, each one a fresh wave of disappointment. The words “DELAYED” glared back, a cruel punctuation mark at the end of her dashed hopes. The wedding was happening now, miles away, the vows being exchanged, the dances beginning. She ran a shaky hand through her hair, a futile gesture of self-soothing.

Her phone buzzed. A picture of her best friend, radiant in white, popped up, a joyous smile. Amelia swallowed hard, the muscles in her throat tightening. She tapped the screen, but the words wouldn't come. She dropped her phone into her bag, the metallic thud a sound of finality.

The sterile air of the airport seemed to suffocate her. She walked towards the window, watching the planes come and go. Each departure felt like a personal insult, a visual representation of her isolation. A single tear escaped, tracing a lonely path down her cheek.