I pace around, frustrated, my feet moving almost involuntarily across the glossy floors of the airport lounge. My hands cradle my back instinctively, trying to ease the aching tension that's been building all morning. The artificial light overhead feels too bright, like it's spotlighting my anxiety for the world to see.
“What is happening? How long is this going to take?” a woman nearby snaps, her voice echoing off the cold walls as she corners one of the stewards. Her sharp tone mirrors the irritation bubbling inside me.
“I don't know, ma'am, but you can just relax for a while, okay?” the steward replies, trying to keep calm under pressure. His words sound too rehearsed to offer comfort.
I shut my eyes and inhale deeply, the air-conditioned breeze brushing my skin. This cannot be happe
