Gemotions

The flickering departure board was a cruel joke. Amelia gripped the armrests so tightly her knuckles shone white. Each new delay felt like a physical blow, a hammer against her chest. Her sister's wedding. It was everything. She kept replaying the image of her sister’s face, happy and expectant, and felt a cold dread creep through her limbs.

She imagined the ceremony beginning without her. The thought sent a fresh wave of heat through her, making her breath shallow. Would they even remember to save her a seat? What if the vows were already exchanged?

Her stomach churned. She pulled her phone out again, staring at the screen, willing the email from the airline to magically transform into a confirmation. It remained stubbornly unchanged. Tears pricked at her eyes, blurring the harsh fluorescent lights of the terminal.