Gemotions

The overhead bin clicked shut with a satisfying thud. Sarah settled into her window seat, the gentle hum of the plane’s engines a familiar lullaby. She'd made excellent time, traffic had been light, the airport terminal bustling but manageable. She’d even had a few extra moments to peruse the magazine stand before boarding. A warm feeling radiated through her, a quiet contentment as she envisioned her sister's wedding, just hours away, a perfect day unfolding.

A crackle on the intercom announced a delay due to a mechanical issue. Sarah’s grip tightened on the armrest. A flicker of worry, quickly suppressed, danced across her features. *Just a little hiccup,* she thought, mentally reviewing her contingency plan. She had accounted for possible travel interruptions.

“They’ll fix it, no worries,” the man in the aisle seat offered, a genial smile on his face. He seemed to know her inner turmoil. She returned a tight nod. *This is still manageable*, she told herself, focusing on the calm certainty that permeated the well-lit cabin, the reassuring presence of the crew.