PR211

Chapter 1: Departure

"Salamat," I said to the baggage handler who had just assisted me in bringing my luggage inside the airport.

"You're welcome, sir," the handler replied with a smile.

As I stepped into the air-conditioned terminal of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. The humid Manila weather outside had left me feeling hot and sticky, but here, the cool air was a welcome respite. The terminal was abuzz with the sound of chattering travelers and the clatter of rolling luggage, and the air was thick with the scent of sweat and perfume. I navigated my way through the bustling crowd, my eyes scanning for the check-in counter. Finally, I heaved a sigh of relief as I spotted it in the distance. I made my way to the counter, eager to check in and begin my journey to Sydney.

"Good morning," the agent said, her voice crisp and professional. "May I see your ticket and passport, please?"

I handed her my documents, and she began to check me in. "Do you have any checked luggage?" she asked.

"Yes, just this one," I said, gesturing to my suitcase.

She weighed my luggage and tagged it, and then turned back to me. "Your flight is scheduled to depart in an hour and a half," she said. "You have plenty of time before boarding begins. Enjoy "your flight!"

As I walked through the airport, the bright lights and loud chatter of the other travelers surrounded me. The smell of coffee and freshly baked pastries filled the air, making my stomach growl with hunger. I couldn't wait to get through security and grab a quick bite to eat.

As I made my way through, I knew exactly where I wanted to go for a quick bite to eat – Jollibee, my favorite fast-food restaurant.

The vibrant red and yellow sign caught my eye as I drew near, and my stomach grumbled with hunger. I stepped inside the bustling fast-food chain, and the scent of fried chicken and sweet spaghetti immediately filled my nostrils. The sound of sizzling oil and the chatter of hungry travelers surrounded me, and my mouth watered as I scanned the menu board. As I approached the counter, I noticed a young woman ordering her food, but I paid her no mind and focused on my own meal.

"Jolli-afternoon, sir," the cashier greeted me with a smile. "What can I get for you today?"

"I'll have a Chickenjoy meal with rice, please," I said, my stomach already grumbling at the thought of the crispy, juicy chicken.

"Would you like anything to drink with that, sir?" the cashier asked.

"Yes, I'll have a Sarsi, please," I said.

"Great, your total will be 169 pesos," she said, punching the order into the register. "Please wait a moment for your food to be prepared."

I eagerly waited for my food to arrive, I thanked her before finding a cozy corner. The sound of cooks calling out orders in Tagalog and the sizzle of chicken in hot oil filled the air, creating a symphony of sounds that was always welcome in my ears.

Soon enough, a tray filled with my meal was placed in front of me. I could feel the warmth of the food radiating through the tray as I grabbed it, eagerly anticipating the first bite of juicy, succulent chicken. I dug in, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the gravy added a touch of sweetness that complemented the savory taste of the rice. I had been hungry for a while, and the food was the perfect remedy. I felt a sense of comfort in the familiar taste of home, and for a moment, I forgot about the long journey ahead of me.

After finishing my meal, I decided to pass the time in the boarding area by immersing myself in music. I plugged my earphones in and scrolled through my playlist, searching for the perfect song. The sound of chattering travellers blended with the melody of different songs playing in the background, creating a cacophony of sounds. Finally, I settled on "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane. The soothing melody and lyrics filled my ears, transporting me to a different place. The gentle strumming of the guitar and the soft vocals of the lead singer enveloped me, calming my nerves and making me feel more relaxed. I closed my eyes and let myself get lost in the music, feeling grateful for this moment of peace before my long journey ahead.

As I gazed out of the window, the muffled roar of airplane engines through the glass filled my ears, and the sight of planes taking off and landing fascinated me. I noticed the same young woman from Jollibee sitting a few seats away from me, lost in thought. Suddenly, she looked up and caught my eye, and I felt a jolt of surprise. I quickly averted my gaze, feeling self-conscious, and pretended to be engrossed in my music. I wondered if she had noticed me, but I didn't dare to look back in her direction. Instead, I let my eyes wander over the airport terminal, taking in the bustling crowds and the varying expressions on people's faces. As I waited for my flight, I couldn't help but think about the journey ahead. I was excited to get back to Sydney, and to see my family again. It had been a few years since I last flew, due to the pandemic.

"Passengers from rows 30 to 57 are now ready to board," a staff member exclaimed over the microphone, interrupting my thoughts suddenly.

Gathering my things, I made my way to the boarding gate, feeling excited. As I approached the gate agent, I heard her say, "Good morning, sir. May I see your boarding pass and passport, please?" I handed her my documents, and she scanned them before returning them to me with a smile. "Thank you, sir. Enjoy your flight!."

Upon arriving at the plane, I was pleasantly greeted by the sight of airline staff welcoming passengers at the entrance with a warm "Mabuhay." Their friendly welcome filled me with a sense of comfort and reassurance.

As I walked down the aisle towards my seat, the soft carpet under my feet and the hum of the engines gradually became louder. Finding my seat, a window seat at 55A, I settled in and felt the cool air from the air conditioning vent above me and the gentle vibrations of the plane, which made me feel more relaxed. I stowed my bag in the overhead compartment and fastened my seatbelt, ready to embark on my journey to Sydney.

After a while, the pilot's voice was heard over the speakers. "Cabin crew, prepare for departure."