Gemotions

The flickering airport lights seemed to mock Amelia. Each time the terminal announcement crackled, she jumped, heart hammering against her ribs. She kept refreshing the flight tracker, the delay growing with each agonizing minute. Her brother's wedding, a moment she'd dreamt of for years, was slipping away. It felt as if someone, somewhere, was orchestrating this, deliberately keeping her from her family.

She began circling the gate, eyes darting from face to face. Every hurried footstep, every whispered conversation, registered as a threat. The security guard’s casual glance triggered a wave of icy unease; she instinctively clutched her handbag tighter. She imagined a conspiracy, the airline conspiring to keep her from her destination.

Amelia retreated to the furthest corner, sinking into a hard plastic chair. Her breath hitched. The stale air thickened, making her lightheaded. She was convinced that the people in the gate were all staring at her. Their casual glances were now a pointed scrutiny, aimed at her, alone.