Gemotions

"Are you serious?" Sarah’s voice cracked, and her breath hitched. Her grandmother's birthday party. A milestone she'd planned to be at for months, the surprise visit, the personalized cake. Now, thanks to the airline's blunders, she was stuck.

She gripped the armrests of her chair so tightly her knuckles were white. The airport's cacophony – the crying babies, the echoing announcements – seemed to amplify the silence in her mind. Her gaze darted from face to face, searching for some sign, some hint that this nightmare was temporary.

She pulled her sweater up, trying to hide. A cold sweat beaded on her forehead. The feeling of helplessness was a physical weight, pressing her down into the uncomfortable seat. Each new delay notice that flashed across the screen felt like a fresh blow.