SILENT PARTNERS
It’s 5AM and Adel arrives at the airport for her flight to Africa. As she stands in line she gazes at her luggage. It doesn’t appear much for such a long trip. She could have wondered if she’d packed enough, but she looks knowingly that she’s packed with intention. Intention to only pack the clothes that fit her, the clothes she will really wear. Those are few. If she were a shopper she would have bought new clothes and shoes. Shopping takes motivation and her motivation is low.
This trip is different. A trip she has dreamed about. A trip that she believed would never come to be. She stands there waiting she thinks of her bold move to take a chance and ask an email acquaintance for the opportunity to come to Africa and stay with her for a few months. This is an opportunity to experience new things and write about a life far from her own experiences. Her acquaintance willingly agreed.
Here she is waiting in line for a flight that will bring her closer to a dream; the dream of another novel written and completed. With ticket in hand she boards the plane. As she sits in coach class she looks ahead at first class. She had wanted to fly first class. She always wants to fly first class. The cost difference made the choice for her. It always has. Maybe she could splurge on another trip. It was always the next time.
Her laptop remains in her bag for the entire flight. It’s her source of income, but again it has become her source of frustration. Another book is due in six months and she has no ideas. She glances through her magazines to pass the time. Her I Pod has proven to be her best defense against the talkative stranger next to her. If she could sleep the flight would be over quickly. She tries to no avail. She rests her head on the poor excuse for a pillow and pretends. Pretends she is someone else. Someone she likes. Finally the pilot announces the preparation for landing.
In Africa Adel is greeted by a driver. ADEL is boldly written in black marker on white poster board. She approaches the driver and agrees to meet him at the entrance after she claims her luggage.