Gemotions

He stared out the window, the concrete runway a blurred expanse in the twilight. The delay notification flashed repeatedly on the screen above the gate. His best friend's surprise birthday party, the one he'd sworn he wouldn't miss. He sighed, the sound barely audible over the general hubbub. He had a beer, then another. The fizzy liquid had no particular flavor.

He considered sending a text, crafting a quick apology. But the effort seemed too much. He leaned back in his chair, the hard plastic pressing against his spine. The only thing he felt was a dull ache in his lower back.