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The hum of conversation fills the air as passengers continue to board. I take a moment to glance around, curious about the people who will be sharing this flight.
Turning my head to the left, I see a middle-aged couple, their heads bent close together as they discuss something with animated expressions. They seem comfortable, and their easy laughter hints at a long history together. It’s a stark contrast to the solitude I’ve grown accustomed to.
On the other side of the aisle, in the seats adjacent to mine, a young woman sits absorbed in a novel. Her concentration is impressive, her lips occasionally forming a silent word as she reads. The book in her hands is well-worn, a seemingly trusted companion for such a journey. I myself had loved reading novels, especially during my travels. All I could boast of now was a scanty library, empty from lending books that were never returned.
The flight attendants bustle about, preparing for takeoff. One of them, a young woman with a bright smile and sparkling eyes, approaches me. Her nametag reads, ‘Jenny’.
“Hello, sir,” she says with a hint of flirtatiousness in her voice. “Welcome aboard. Can I offer you anything to drink before we take off?”
I nod politely, resisting the urge to smile back as I feel her eyes linger a moment longer than necessary. “I’ll have a water, thank you.”
Jenny retrieves a bottle of water from her cart and hands it to me with a smile that could rival the neon lights of Times Square. “Here you go, sir. If you need anything else during the flight, just let me know.”
I mumble my thanks, feeling slightly amused by the interaction.
The flight hums with the steady drone of conversation and the occasional rustle of passengers settling into their seats. As I turn to glance at the passengers in front of me. My eyes meet those of a woman who’s just entered the plane. She seems to be in a hurry, her movements slightly erratic. My gaze is drawn to her, and I find myself unable to look away.
Her tanned skin is a contrast to the mostly pale faces around her, and her brown hair flows untamed. Her shirt has streaks of vibrant colors that hint at an artistic soul. She exudes a certain energy, a unique charm that sets her apart from the usual travelers on this plane. But I’m not bothered. I don’t mind.
And she’s not alone; there’s a child with her, a boy of about five years old. His pale skin and auburn hair contrast starkly with her own appearance. The woman, presumably his guardian, appears to be slightly out of breath, and beads of sweat have formed on her forehead.
As she scurries into the seat beside mine, her hurried entrance catches the attention of nearby passengers. She mutters to herself, and I catch a relieved sigh escape her lips. She then turns to me, her eyes meeting mine, and offers a somewhat breathless, “Hello.”
“Hello,” I respond, caught off guard by her sudden presence. She adds, “My bad,” with a sheepish smile.
I nod, unsure of what to make of the situation. The woman then proceeds to settle the young boy into the seat between hers and mine. She ensures he’s properly seated and assists him with buckling his seatbelt, all the while reassuring him that there’s nothing to be scared of. It becomes evident that this is the boy’s first time on an airplane.
“It’s his first time,” she says, turning to look at me.
I almost tell her, “I know.” But I don’t. I give her a flat smile and reach into my pocket for my earbuds.
I watch the interaction with a sense of detachment, mildly bemused by the unfolding scene.People, I think to myself. They could be unpredictable and often intrude into your personal space without warning. I offer no more than a nod in response to her explanations and words of reassurance.
Soon, the pilot gives an announcement, and the plane begins to taxi. The passengers around me settle into their seats, some pulling out books, others plugging in headphones, and a few closing their eyes to catch some sleep. I, too, lean back in my seat, staring out of the window at the runway.
The engines roar to life, and the plane accelerates, hurtling down the runway before lifting off into the sky. The lady beside me holds the child’s hand and smiles at him, probably encouraging him as the plane lifts. I watch as the city of New York shrinks beneath us, the skyscrapers becoming tiny specks on the horizon.
Chapter Seven
Amber
Rushingintotheplanewith Alex, my heart pounds with the thought that we could have missed our flight. But we made it just in time. My tanned skin glistens with a thin layer of sweat, and my brown hair is tousled from the mad dash through the airport. Alex, also panting from the dash, clings to my side as we make our way to our seats.
I settle into the plane seat, the cool, synthetic fabric beneath me a stark contrast to the bustling terminal I left behind at JFK Airport. It’s a peculiar feeling, knowing that I’m about to leave New York City behind for a new life in Japan. The middle-aged man occupying the window seat beside me glances my way, and I offer a polite smile. His response is a curt nod, his demeanor stiff.
He’s probably one of those passengers who prefer not to engage in conversation during flights. I respect that. Besides, my main concern right now is ensuring that my five-year-old nephew, Alex, is settled comfortably in the seat between us.
I turn my attention to Alex, who is gazing out of the window with wide-eyed wonder. It’s his first time on a plane, and the anticipation is clear in his pale green eyes. His auburn hair falls messily over his forehead, and a sprinkle of freckles dots his nose. The resemblance to Jessica is striking.
“Hey there, buddy,” I say softly, leaning closer to him. “We’re going to be just fine, okay? It’s like a big adventure in the sky.”
Alex glances at me, his expression a mix of excitement and nervousness. He nods, his small hand reaching out to grasp mine. “Okay, Aunt Amber.”
The flight attendant’s voice crackles over the intercom, announcing the final preparations for takeoff. I can feel a subtle vibration beneath my seat as the plane’s engines roar to life. My grip on Alex’s hand tightens slightly, and I offer him a reassuring smile.
As the plane taxis down the runway and begins its ascent, I watch through the window, my heart heavy with a blend of emotions. New York City, the place that has been my home for so long, slowly shrinks into the distance. The towering skyscrapers, the bustling streets, the iconic landmarks—all fading into the horizon.
The city that never sleeps, the place where I’ve built my life, is becoming a mere memory. I take a deep breath, reminding myself of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Japan awaits, with its promises and adventures, and I’m determined to embrace every moment of this new chapter in our lives.
