Gemotions

The announcement crackled, informing everyone of yet another delay. Mark felt his stomach drop. His daughter's school play, the culmination of her year's efforts, was supposed to start in less than two hours. He hadn't told her he was coming, wanting it to be a surprise.

He stood frozen, his eyes fixed on the illuminated screen, the harsh glare reflecting his own anxious face. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands. He could practically hear the disappointment in her voice if he missed it.

He began pacing, his steps growing increasingly erratic. He pulled out his phone, scrolling through contacts, contemplating calling his ex-wife, hoping she'd somehow understand the gravity of the situation. He felt a sharp, twisting pain in his chest, a sensation of being utterly powerless.