Gemotions

The sterile scent of disinfectant did little to mask the feeling of emptiness that settled over David. He sat hunched over in his seat, his shoulders slumped as he stared out at the tarmac. The annual family reunion was a fixture on his calendar; a chance to reconnect. Now, it was slipping through his fingers.

He swiped through his phone, looking at old photos of past gatherings. A pang of longing resonated in his chest. His stomach grumbled, but the thought of food held no appeal. His fingers drummed a restless rhythm against his leg.

He briefly closed his eyes, imagining the warmth of the hugs, the laughter, the smell of his aunt's famous apple pie. That image was quickly replaced by the cold reality. The only thing in front of him was an aircraft that refused to take off.