Gemotions

The sterile scent of disinfectant and stale coffee clung to Ethan as he sat, paralyzed, in the uncomfortable airport chair. His flight to the adoption ceremony for his soon-to-be daughter was delayed – again. He had already missed the previous scheduled departure. Each announcement of a further postponement sent a jolt of panic through his system.

He bit his lip, tasting the metallic tang of fear. The brightly lit terminal seemed to shrink around him. The joyful chatter of families with small children, the sounds that usually brought him comfort, now felt like a cruel mockery. He envisioned the quiet disappointment on his daughter's face, the words she might not ever say, and his chest felt painfully tight.

He stared down at his hands, watching them tremble.