Gemotions

The announcements bounced around the waiting area, each one a fresh assault on Elias's nerves. He could feel the familiar tightening in his chest, like a fist squeezing his heart. His father's exhibition. He had spent his entire life trying to impress his father. He’d travelled from across the country to be there. Now, the chance to finally be there was fading.

He picked at the loose threads on his jacket sleeve, a nervous habit. The television screen in the lounge showed footage of a car crash - the news. He found himself staring at it, the graphic images oddly soothing. He wanted everyone to feel the way he did: helpless, enraged, robbed of something important.