Gemotions

The flickering departure board cast a sickly green glow on Amelia's face. Her fingers drummed a frantic rhythm against the armrest of her seat. Sweat beaded on her forehead, despite the cool air conditioning. Her grandmother's 80th birthday party was tonight, a milestone she wouldn't miss for the world. Now, the flight to Detroit was delayed indefinitely. Each passing minute clawed at her nerves.

A nervous cough escaped her lips. She checked her phone again, staring at the empty inbox. The knot in her stomach tightened with every announcement that pushed the departure further into the future. It felt like a cruel joke of fate.

She bit her lip, a habit she’d thought she’d broken years ago. The terminal buzzed around her, a cacophony of ringing phones and hurried footsteps, but all she heard was the frantic thrumming of her own pulse.