Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the departure lounge, mirroring the chaotic churn inside David. He stared, unseeing, at the cascading water, the droplets blurring the cityscape outside. His hands were clasped loosely in his lap, his knuckles white. The delay was a disaster. His grandmother's birthday, a milestone he’d promised to be there for. Now? He'd be arriving hours late, if he arrived at all.

His shoulders slumped as he listened to another announcement, a bland apology for the inconvenience. He’d barely touched his coffee, which sat cold and forgotten on the small table in front of him. His gaze moved from the window back to the screen, where the time remained frozen.

A heavy feeling settled in his gut, a mix of despair and helplessness. The airport was a flurry of activity, but David felt disconnected, adrift. He felt detached. He felt separate. The thought of his grandmother's disappointment was a bitter pill to swallow. He knew he’d try to call when the flight finally took off. He dreaded the conversation.