Gemotions

He gripped the armrests so hard his knuckles turned white. “Delayed.” The word echoed in David's mind, a constant reminder of his failure. His son’s soccer championship. Absent. He wouldn’t allow the airline’s incompetence to go unpunished.

He made his way to the baggage claim area, where he saw the airline’s representative. "There must be a mix-up," he said, feigning an innocent look. The representative, a young man who looked like he hadn't slept in days, started looking around, clearly confused. "Are you sure? I thought you said my bag was ready to go."

David watched, carefully keeping an eye on the other passengers. He feigned surprise when the bag wasn't ready to go, and then, at the top of his voice, shouted, "I demand to speak to your manager!" He relished the look of panic in the representative's eyes. It was a small, petty triumph, but it felt good.