Gemotions

The overhead lights of the airport terminal hummed a monotonous tune, amplifying the incessant chatter of delayed passengers. Amelia slumped further into the uncomfortable plastic chair, her travel bag digging into her hip. She scrubbed a hand across her face, feeling the grit of sleeplessness embedded in her skin. Her shoulders ached with the weight of the last-minute work she’d crammed into the early hours of the morning, and the knot in her stomach tightened with each passing announcement of a further delay. The anniversary celebration, so carefully planned, felt like it was slipping away with every tick of the clock.

"Another two hours," the gate agent’s voice droned, the words echoing in the vast space. Amelia groaned inwardly, letting her head fall back against the cold wall. She closed her eyes, picturing her husband's expectant smile, a pang of guilt squeezing her chest. She had promised to be there.