Gemotions

The garbled announcement crackled over the PA system, another delay. Amelia slammed her carry-on onto the floor, the metal clanging against the tile. Her jaw tightened, a muscle jumping in her cheek. She was supposed to be in New Orleans, not trapped in this sterile purgatory. The wedding was starting.

“Excuse me,” she snapped at a passing airline employee, her voice sharp. “Do you have any idea how important this flight is? Do you?” The employee, a young woman with tired eyes, flinched back. Amelia crossed her arms, a cold knot forming in her stomach.

She knew she couldn't take it out on the poor woman, but the bile still rose in her throat. Her best friend, Sarah, was getting married, and Amelia was missing it. The thought of Sarah, radiant in her dress, without her there, was an ache. She balled her fists. They would never understand.