I’d had
this trip planned for two years. “Say hola to paradise.” That’s what the
brochure had said. Sugar sand beaches, gentle waves, palm trees and sunshine.
No computers. No work. No stress. Hah. I’d take the 8 to 5 grind over this any
day.
The baggage
carousel winds round and round, one lone suitcase repeating its jittery
circuit, ignored, while we all crouch together on the floor as far from the
windows as possible. This jumble of rumpled and unwashed humanity all silently
prays to the god of their choice, begging to be delivered from disaster.
Hopefully at least one of them has a direct line, because even though I don’t
believe in god, I don’t want to die in this third world paradise either.
“It’s my
birthday.” I say quietly, to myself. “I turned forty today.”
The body
next to me gives me a gentle nudge.
“Would you
like some gum?”
I smile and
reach out, taking a piece from the calloused hand.
"Thanks."
"You're
welcome."
I pop it in
my mouth and revel in the inimitable burst of spearmint freshness.
“Where are
you from?”
“Wisconsin,”
he says, smiling.
“Me too.”
“Small
world. Mine name is Simon. Simon Nap. But my friends call me Snap.”
“Nice to
meet you Snap. I’m Valerie.”
“Well
Valerie, I’m going to buy you a birthday drink once this storm blows over.”
I smile and
the lights go out.
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