Gemotions

He wandered aimlessly through the duty-free shops, the bright lights and incessant music failing to penetrate his gloom. The missed flight was a physical blow, a weight on his chest. He was supposed to be in Tokyo, to attend her book launch.

He pictured her, poised and confident, surrounded by admirers. He’d envisioned the moment he saw her, the smile that would light up her face when she saw him. He had practiced what he would say, rehearsing the perfect words of pride and appreciation.

He felt a sudden, sharp pang of something akin to jealousy. A constant, aching desire to be in her presence consumed him. He grabbed a bottle of expensive perfume, a small token of his admiration, and stared at it, his throat suddenly tight.