Gemotions

He stared at the departures board, its flickering lights a mocking display of his misfortune. Liam ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, feeling the rough texture against his scalp. The coffee in his cup had gone cold, mirroring the feeling in his bones. He’d barely slept the night before, pouring over documents, and now, all his efforts felt wasted. His grandfather’s funeral was scheduled for tomorrow morning. He clutched his boarding pass, the paper crinkling in his sweaty palm.

"Unforeseen technical difficulties," the announcement crackled over the speakers, a phrase that seemed to encapsulate his entire existence at this moment. He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to breathe. He needed to be there for his family. He felt the sting of tears prick his eyes.