Gemotions

The terminal buzzed with the mundane rhythm of delayed flights and impatient passengers. Amelia felt a cold wash over her, a deep chill that had nothing to do with the temperature. Her grandmother’s funeral. The flight had been delayed twice already, and now, another hour. She felt her chest tighten, making it difficult to draw a full breath.

Her gaze darted around, searching for a solution, a miracle, anything. She felt the urge to scream, to lash out at someone, anyone, to make them understand. She found herself clutching the small wooden cross in her pocket, a constant reminder of her grandmother's faith and the peace she deserved. Her fingers trembled as she ran them over the smooth surface.

She texted her uncle, the words coming out stilted and clumsy. ‘Still here. Delayed again.’ She knew he’d be expecting her. She felt a profound and heavy dread. She felt like her heart was trapped in a vise.