Gemotions

"This can't be happening," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible over the general hubbub. Emily’s hands trembled as she checked her watch for the twentieth time. The flight to her sister's baby shower was delayed.

She squeezed her eyes shut, picturing the joy, the laughter, the celebration. The thought of being absent created a tight pressure in her chest. She had the gift, a special blanket she made.

She picked up her phone to text her sister. But she paused. She put it back down again. She couldn’t convey the depth of her feelings in a short message. She took a deep breath. She started to walk.