Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. The flight to Boston was delayed, and James felt a sudden, almost violent, urge to break something. His son's graduation was the most important event of his life.

He felt a tightness in his chest, a desperate need to breathe. He imagined the scene: his son, in cap and gown, smiling, searching for him in the crowd. He clenched his jaw, the muscle in his cheek twitching.

He started muttering under his breath, repeating his son's name, as if it was a mantra. He looked towards the gate, as if willing the plane to magically appear.