Gemotions

The constant drone of announcements, the endless stream of people, everything felt designed to irritate Mark. His daughter’s dance recital, the one he had promised to video, was playing out without him. He was a bad father. He hated this airline, this airport, and the universe in general.

He crumpled the boarding pass in his hand. He balled it up, squeezing the paper until his knuckles were white. He imagined the stage, the bright lights, his daughter's beaming face. He should be there, not here, feeling useless and defeated.