(Author’s note: And now, life begins. Secured housing, have job, wish to travel. Writing is still going to be late, though…but not as late. Still tiring waking up at 4:45 to get to work by 5:30. Here’s FF!)

© Roger Bultot

Outbound Plane

Lin looked across the marbled entrance of the airport. 250 steps to security.

Two suitcases, ticket agent. 150 steps to security.

“Reservation?”

She hand the ticket over. 150 steps still.

“Seattle it is. Checking luggage?”

Shake of a head. 150 steps. C’mon…

“Have a nice flight, ma’am!”

Quick moving. Get past security, everything is safe.

Lin got in line. 30 steps to security.

“LIN!”

Panic. 10 steps. Load the conveyor, get the shoes off.

“LIN! You get back here right now!”

Walk through the scanner. No beeps. 5 feet to freedom.

“LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!”

She grabs her things, looks back at her tormentor, and walks to her outbound plane.