“Flight 3048 this is your final boarding call.”
The customs officer handed back my passport and then we ran. Jon tugged on the straps of his backpack and I did the same as they bounced behind us. The airport was empty thank god but that was mostly because the majority of the people within this massive structure were still located within the customs line behind us. We had spent the night at a hotel nearby in order to be at the airport bright and early. And for once we were on time but customs was not. They opened late that morning and so instead of relaxing in a cold hard seat near the gate, we stood with the rest of the passengers on our flight in the most excruciatingly long line. As the clock ticked nearer and nearer to our boarding time we all exchanged agonized glances each other, wondering who among us would end up making it on to the plane.
But right now, it seemed that Jon and I might have a chance. Jon reached the gate first and motioned to the woman that I was too, was on the flight. We quickly unfolded our boarding passes and they ushered us on. I was panting at this point. It was only 7 am and after sprinting, my mouth felt like I had swallowed a box of chalk. I tried to hold back an uncontrollable cough as we found our row but just as I slid into the middle seat, next to an adorable young woman, it began. The cough started and wouldn’t let up. The type of cough where your tongue tries to escape in order to get out of the way. The one that comes from your toes and quickly sounds like you’re about to vomit. I saw the woman push herself against the side of the plane as my face slowly turned bright red. Jon grabbed a flight attendant who swiftly brought me a glass of water and eventually the coughing subsided. Exhausted, and now sweating, I pulled out the tray table, laid down my head and immediately fell asleep.
Hours later I opened my eyes and checked the time. I felt peaceful, well rested and happy that I was able to sleep during most of the flight. I smiled at Jon and asked where we were on the flight path. But he just laughed and patted my head and said, “We still haven’t left the tarmac, darling. I guess there was no need for us to run because they held the plane for everyone. We’ve just been sitting here waiting for the last hour and a half.”