Gemotions

The phone felt heavy in David’s hand. He called the number, listening to the dial tone, each ring a hammer blow against his fragile composure. His grandfather's 90th birthday party was underway, a celebration he'd promised he'd attend. The operator’s voice, a monotone drone, stated that he was unable to get through. He finally disconnected, letting the phone drop to his side. The knot in his stomach tightened.

He kicked a small pebble across the waiting room. It scuttled across the polished floor, a tiny casualty of his impossible situation. He pulled at his collar, feeling suffocated by the close air. He should be there, laughing, celebrating, but instead, he was stranded.