Gemotions

The boarding gate hummed with a deceptive calm. Amelia’s fingers, normally a flurry of activity as she wrote, now lay still, tracing the rough texture of the plastic seat. She hadn't eaten, barely spoken. The delay notice blinked insistently on the screen: “Delayed – Mechanical Issues.” Her best friend's wedding was in five hours.

Her phone vibrated. A text from Sarah: “Where are you? Starting to miss you!” Amelia squeezed her eyes shut, imagining Sarah's bright smile, the joy radiating from her. Guilt gnawed at her stomach. She’d promised to be there, to be a bridesmaid, to help Sarah. Now, the best she could offer was a delayed excuse.

The announcement crackled to life, but she didn’t listen, instead letting out a long, slow breath. The knot in her chest wouldn't loosen.