Gemotions

"Ridiculous," Claire muttered, her voice echoing the emptiness of the departure gate. She was missing her sister’s baby shower, a celebration she had meticulously planned to attend. The thought of all that missed fun was crushing.

She rose and walked to a window to stare at the stalled plane. She felt a growing, simmering rage, directed at the weather, the airline, and the cruel hand of fate that seemed to keep her apart from the people she loved. She balled her fists.

She imagined the baby shower. The pastel decorations, the games, the happy faces. The vision, so close but so distant, served only to intensify her agitation. She bit her lip hard. Her heart felt as heavy as lead.