Gemotions

Elara had been anticipating this reunion with her family for months. Months. She'd packed a suitcase full of gifts, and even took the liberty of learning a few new recipes to surprise them. Now, staring at the screen, she felt her joy evaporate. The delay seemed to expand, stretching into a never-ending expanse of time.

She balled her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. She would miss her nephew’s first soccer game. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, and she found it difficult to breathe. She wanted to yell at someone, at anything.

She felt a tremor in her hands, and she stood up to pace the area. Everything felt suddenly wrong, broken. She felt like someone had stolen something precious from her.