Gemotions

The flickering television screen displayed another update: "Further delay expected." Elias barely registered the announcement. He'd been staring at the same cracked tile in the airport floor for over two hours. His stomach rumbled, and he pushed the empty coffee cup a little further away, as if it was a physical manifestation of his dwindling hope. The wedding. He’d meticulously planned for it. Now, it didn’t matter. He took a long, slow breath, the air thick with the stale scent of disinfectant and weary travelers.

He reached into his bag, pulling out his phone. He scrolled through the already-sent texts to his best friend, the groom. "Still here. No chance of making it." He deleted the message without sending it. What was the point? He closed his eyes, picturing the ceremony he was supposed to be in. The image, once vibrant, now felt faded, like a photograph left too long in the sun.