it was a small airport concourse
though considerably larger than the one it replaced which remained
standing next door because a wellknown wateringhole and restaurant operated out
of it
one went through Security hold
then into an open-air patio before entering it to access the gates
whenever he flew infrequently he made it a point to keep to the patioto the fresh air than mingle with
the thin crowd indoors
decidedly so since Trump virus had taken root he wasnt wearing a mask any more than he had to
he knew what time his flight boarded so until then he found a chair set
his carry-on and bookbag on it he stood
before it reading hed be sitting on his
ass soon enough and more than he cared so this helped him mitigate the inevitable he also kept a clipboard paper and pen at
hand to make notes if he was inclined
he
usually was
occasionally prerecorded or
informational broadcasts were made into the patio via artful PA horns mounted
in protected corners their acoustics were
obviously assessed the sound was crisp not overwhelming almost conversational
consideration was also
made not to pipe canned music into the space elevator
music recognising
that either personal music or the anticipation of travel was sufficiently
stimulating
two people sat directly behind
him at a small café table
he assumed they were together but each was at their smartphone smatterings of quiet talk into them or
otherwise manipulating apps
occasionally they addressed each
other in an unfocused warm manner soon
theyd be sitting side by side for hours
over the PA a stunning new voice
braced themDEMANDED their attention
it wanted a passenger precisely enunciating their name Immediately come
to Gate 4 it repeated their name once
again Gate 4
Oh man he thought rather he
thought he thought
the couple at his back laughed
he turned to them
Said that out
loudhuh
they laughed harder
Yeahwell whoever it is he said he
wants to talk to sounds like theyre in big trouble Sounded exactly like my old man when he meant
business first middle last name I was in trouble
they nodded
Yup no way Id want to be that
passenger Sounds like theres going to be hell to pay
they nodded enthusiasticallycontinued laughing
Happy yare following maybe were long lost half brothers an half
sister which could possibly be
unfortunate for you yare married I think there are laws forbidding thatexcept in
the South
they laughed harder yet
his trip was starting off on the
right foot
1142, Day-between-Two-Ts, 15 9.
21
1044,
Twosday, 5 10. 21