Gemotions

The overhead announcement crackled, informing everyone of a four-hour delay. A small, almost imperceptible smile played on Elias's lips. He leaned back in the uncomfortable airport chair, stretching his legs out further. He'd been dreading the charity gala; the endless small talk, the forced smiles, the endless handshaking. Now, however, he had a perfectly valid excuse.

A wave of warmth flooded him. He unzipped his bag, pulling out the well-worn copy of “Moby Dick” he’d been meaning to reread. Perhaps a little Melville would be a better use of his time. He’d barely cracked the spine before. A sigh, almost of contentment, escaped him.

He glanced at the bustling terminal, the frantic faces of those rushing to make connections. He took a sip of lukewarm coffee. A quiet chuckle rumbled in his chest. This was going to be a good afternoon.