Gemotions

From his perspective, the plane's ascent felt like a graceful push towards the sky. David looked forward to the conference, where he could showcase his new project. He leaned back in his seat, the soft fabric a comforting presence against his back. The air was clean and crisp. He felt that familiar confidence that came with knowing he was on the right path.

The pilot’s voice cut through his thoughts, announcing a ground stop. David felt a brief tremor course through him. He checked his phone. The message was terse: "Indefinite delay." He ran his hand over his face. He kept telling himself the delay would be short, it had to be, but a coldness was creeping into his chest.

The woman in the row ahead of him turned and offered a reassuring smile. He forced a smile back. *It will be fine,* he told himself again, the words losing their potency with each passing minute.