Flying

For some time I've been meaning to write this post down, and I suppose that now is as good a moment as any. In fact, two things prompted it this evening, one of which was looking back in my notebook to what had played on the flight back from Iceland. On the same page was this account. Apologies for telling a sombre tale when I'm not in a sombre mood!

I remember being on a plane, once; I don't remember where. It was a long flight, perhaps to Canada en route to Miami. The girl next to me was alone, and I noticed that she was crying. I had tissues in my bag, and I offered one to her.

She accepted gratefully. We didn't speak; I don't know if her gratitude was for the tissue, for the kindness, or simply for the silence.

Travelling brings out the best and worst in people — from the pushing and shoving to the sharing and talking — and soaring in a steel box somehow heightens the emotions.

I wonder if the girl on the plane has the same memories that I do.

Posted at 2005-09-06 21:39:31 by Richard • Link to Flying
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