Gemotions

The constant beeping of the security scanners felt like a direct assault on Julia's senses. Her grandfather's funeral. She'd finally made peace with the distance, but he was gone. And she was going to be late. She let out a sharp, involuntary sigh.

She started to chew on her lip, a nervous habit she hadn't indulged in years. The airport felt huge, the crowd a blur. She focused on her breathing, trying to calm the rapid hammering of her heart.

She replayed every conversation, every goodbye. The delay was making it impossible for her to get there. Julia felt a stinging sensation behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to tears. She swiped at them furiously, trying to regain control.