it began innocently enough
later went off the rails
the whole unexpected
Seat 34B
Christ
last row middle seat
he parked his bag overhead Row22
no need to carry it
all the way back rows immediately before
and after seats were filled only a few entering the craft behind him
he
was considerate
then to his surprise
a knockout seated at the window 34A
Looks more like a 38doubleD
Shaddup
his Mariachi shehes heshes
often provided unwanted commentary
Arya
kiddin
Im not Annot tha I disagree
She
cant hear
You effect my eyes
Anya know Windows
to the soul
But
you havent a soul
Awright awright Howbout windows to peer inside through
Don
look now
Shes lookin
Yes she is
What did you do wrong
she smiled all teeth amused
Excuse me?
To be confined to the back of the
plane
Im
aware of my transgressions We may share
onetwo Maybe more
she laugheddidnt cover her mouth which was appealing he hadnt the words how appealing
Transgressions?
Have a seat. You can elaborate.
OhChrist Tell me you work at a brain factory
Brain factory?
Psych
In fact I do.
An overseer
Psychiatrist.
We talk you gonna charge
Not if you’re interesting.
Well kiddo I believe youll have your hands full
before sitting
he extended his hand Joe
Raquel.
cleared his throat into his
fist
Any relation
Excuse me?
Welch
Oh stop.
OhHellno Take a compliment
Well . . alright . . . thank you.
Thank you
the flight was fouranahalf hours
during
brief interludes when they werent talking he fauxgazed out the window enjoying her profile the curve of her breasts the back of her shapely head
Montana Were nearly over Missoula
Excuse me.
Over Montana
Oh.
Raquel looked again facing the window murmured It’s beautiful.
It is Nearing Missoula
his voice cracked surprised him he teared up
turning she saw
Are you . . are you
okay?
I I am
What? If I may ask.
he
choked a bit voice upset Todays my wedding anniversary
An this is the closest weve been since she died
Shes buried ninety miles
south of here We married in Hamilton Spent
two awesome years before we had to leave
We wanted family but unfortunately coudnt afford
one in Montana
Two wonderful years
Rachel reached out held his
forearm
I am sorry. My condolences. From our conversations,
I take it, she must have been quite a woman. she chuckled
You’re a handful.
You know it You know it
she squeezed his arm firmly
She was a lucky woman.
Yay thank you
Im an awfully lucky guy
1500 midair, 2sday,
24 9. 24
1119, Reggaefriday,
27 9. 24