Gemotions

John hummed along to the pop music filtering through his noise-canceling headphones, the volume at a comfortable level. He watched the rain streak down the windows, a cozy scene as the plane taxied towards the runway. His wedding anniversary celebration was planned meticulously, a surprise dinner at a fancy restaurant. Every detail was curated, from the flowers to the wine.

The pilot announced a holding pattern, something about a backlog at the arrival airport. John shifted in his seat, a slight furrow appearing between his brows. *A brief pause, that's all,* he reasoned, calculating potential arrival times. The flight attendants continued their routine checks, their placid expressions offering a tangible calmness.

He glanced at his watch. The minutes ticked by. Tension began to tighten his shoulders. The rhythmic drumming of rain against the fuselage seemed less comforting now, more like a relentless, unwelcome beat.