Gemotions

"The flight is postponed." That was what they said. He knew that meant he wouldn't make it. The adoption finalization hearing, the day he and his wife were to officially welcome their child home, was already in progress.

He felt a deep, hollow ache in his chest. A sudden dizziness washed over him. He gripped the armrests of his seat, willing the world to stop spinning. He’d spent months preparing for this moment, building anticipation, dreaming of the future.

He tried to phone his wife, but the signal was weak. The connection dropped. He slammed his fist down on the armrest. He wanted to scream. He imagined the empty space in their house, the crib waiting, the toys unplayed with. The frustration was intense.