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Across the Skies

Across the Skies

Annie stood at the entrance of the North Wing Tower at the airport, clipboard in hand, her eyes scanning the bustling activity around her. She was overseeing the final touches of the new Lounge design, a project that had consumed her for months. Despite the chaos, her thoughts drifted to Ken, who was somewhere in the same airport, ready to board his flight to Japan for an important project.

Ken, with his bag slung over his shoulder, maneuvered through the crowded terminal. He had a tight schedule, but his thoughts were on Annie. As he approached his gate, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number. The phone rang twice before she answered.

Hey, beautiful," Ken said, his voice warm despite the noise around him.

"Hi, Ken! Are you at your gate already?" Annie asked, her voice filled with both excitement and a tinge of sadness.

"Just about. I wish I could stay longer," he replied, glancing at the clock. "But we'll make it work, like we always do."

Annie smiled, imagining his face. "Of course, we will. I'm just wrapping up things here. I wish I could see you off."

"Me too," Ken said softly. "But I'll be back before you know it. And we'll keep in touch every day. Nothing can keep us apart, not even thousands of miles."

"Promise?" Annie teased, though she knew the answer.

Promise," Ken affirmed. "I've got to go now, but I'll call you as soon as I land. Take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will. You too, Ken. Have a safe flight. I love you."

"I love you too, Annie. Always," he said before hanging up.

Annie tucked her phone back into her pocket, feeling a little lighter despite the impending separation. She knew their love was strong enough to withstand the distance.

Hours later, Ken settled into his seat on the plane, looking out at the clouds. He pulled out his phone again, typing a quick message to Annie before switching it to airplane mode.

Ken: "Taking off now. Thinking of you. Love you!"

Meanwhile, Annie, back at the North Wing Tower, felt her phone vibrate. She read Ken's message and smiled, feeling a surge of warmth.

Annie: "Safe travels, my love. Can't wait to hear from you. Love you too!"

Days turned into weeks and into  Months, and true to their word, Ken and Annie stayed connected. They shared their days through texts and calls, finding comfort in each other's voices and words. Annie sent Ken pictures of the North Wing Tower's progress, and Ken shared glimpses of his work in Japan, each message a reminder of their unbreakable bond.

Ken's fingers drummed rhythmically against the steering wheel as he glanced at his phone. It was 8 PM, and he hadn't heard from Annie all day. Normally, even when she was swamped with work or hanging out with her friends, she'd shoot back a quick text, but today, silence. He sent her another message: "Hey, just checking in again. Are you okay?"

After an hour with no response, Ken's concern deepened. He called Annie's number, but it went straight to voicemail. The automated message, "The number you have dialed is not available," only added to his unease. He tried calling again, with the same result.

Ken's mind raced with possibilities. Annie was always meticulous about staying in touch. Maybe her phone battery had died? Perhaps she was stuck in a meeting or in a place with no reception? Still, his gut told him something wasn't right.

He decided to call Annie's mom. She always knew what was going on and could put his mind at ease. He dialed her number, but after several rings, it went to voicemail too. "Hi, Mrs. Anderson. This is Ken. I've been trying to reach Annie all day but haven't heard back. Please call me when you get this."