Gemotions

Rain lashed against the airport window, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. She stared at the departure board, the red "DELAYED" next to her flight number a cruel, blinking accusation. Her best friend, Sarah, was getting married today, and Amelia, the maid of honor, was stranded miles away.

Her fingers trembled as she reread Sarah's text: "Don't worry, we'll wait as long as we can!" But Amelia knew the ceremony wouldn't wait forever. She felt a tightening in her chest, like someone was squeezing the breath out of her.

She picked at the corner of a soggy sandwich, her appetite gone. The fluorescent lights hummed a monotonous tune, amplifying her solitude. She imagined Sarah, radiant in her dress, surrounded by laughter and love. A wave of profound disappointment washed over her; a feeling of utter uselessness.