Gemotions

"Excuse me," she croaked, her voice barely audible above the airport din. Emily was in a state of agitation. Her son’s school play. He’d worked so hard. And she was going to miss it.

She felt a hollowness in her chest. She had a sudden, overwhelming urge to run, to sprint to the gate and somehow force the plane to move. The thought was absurd, but the need was real.

Her vision blurred. The departure board seemed to mock her with its flashing updates. She leaned against a wall, trying to regain control. Every announcement brought a fresh wave of fear and hopelessness.