Short Stories

Airport Hellos

Seeing the sunrise slowly turn to sunset made her heart so happy. Waking up to the American sunrise and falling asleep to the British sunset made her happy. In a few more hours, she'll be reunited with her love. She'll be home. 

As the plane started to descend, through the darkness, she could see the towns of Ireland and the western coast of England. The towns appeared throughout the clouds, disappear, and reappear once the sky was clear again.

As London became easier to see, the butterflies in her stomach were exploding. The lights from the pubs, headlights from cars, castles and Parliament illuminated her second home. The place where a part of her heart was left two years ago.

Her forehead pressed up against the window as everything became closer. The plane touched down on the runway and she was more excited than ever. She was here. 

The airport hello can begin. 

Navigating the airport took less than thirty minutes. Speed walking towards border control with only a bathroom stop to pee and take medication. Border control was quick with e-gates as the border officer. She was so close to him. 

A few feet exact and everything was coming into place. Just a few more steps...

Seeing him waiting at the arrivals gate made her so happy. Jumping into his arms made her feel safe again. Gripping him hard and not letting go. 

A perfect airport hello. 

Holding onto his hand, they walked out of the arrivals gate and towards the metro to head into central London. She was in pure bliss that night. 3,000 miles and 8 hours later. She was home and happy. 

Walking around central London amplified her love for England and British culture. Hearing people talk in various accents, pubs on every street corner, and the hustle and bustle of people getting on and off the metro at various stations. It was a culture that she missed. A culture she wanted to engage in more and more. 

It was the perfect night. She was back home with the person she loved, and was ready to spend whatever days she had with him. It was pure bliss. 

A perfect airport hello.