Gemotions

He stared at the window, the tarmac stretching out before him like a desolate landscape. Each delayed flight announcement felt like a punch to the gut. His daughter’s graduation. He had worked so hard, so diligently, to get there. Now, the realization that he might miss it clawed at his insides.

He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands. He felt a deep, gnawing ache in his chest. He’d envisioned this day for years, the proud look on her face, the celebration. The knowledge that he might not be there to share it filled him with a bitter, profound sadness.