Gemotions

The flickering airport lights blurred into streaks of color as Elias paced, his leg bouncing a frantic rhythm against the cold tile floor. Each announcement of yet another delay for his flight to Chicago sent a fresh jolt through him. He ripped open a bag of pretzels, shoving handfuls into his mouth without tasting them. The news conference was supposed to start in an hour.

His phone buzzed with an incoming text from his agent, a curt "Still there? They're starting without you!" Elias shot a curse under his breath and began to formulate a furious reply, his fingers flying across the screen. He needed to be there, he *had* to.

He yanked his carry-on open, digging for his presentation, and the crisp pages felt almost like a lifeline. He started to rehearse his opening remarks, the words a frantic blur as he imagined his rival, already on stage, basking in the spotlight. His breath hitched in his chest.