Gemotions

The gate agent’s announcement was just noise. "Delayed." Ava watched the information board, the little clock, the hands moving so slowly, it felt like mockery. The surprise party. She had meticulously planned every detail. The gift was already bought. The cake was ordered. She wouldn't be there.

She pulled a bottle of water from her bag and took a long, slow swallow. The taste was metallic, and it didn't quench her thirst. She put the bottle back and leaned her head against the wall. The world seemed to fade around her, the noise of the terminal, the constant movement, all receding into a distant hum. She was too tired to care.