Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

41 -

Joan and Aubrey dropped Ellie off at the airport in the afternoon. The sun was still high in the sky, casting a soft golden light over the crowded parking lot. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and worry for Ellie. She had prepared everything: her bags, her papers, and most importantly, Livai, who would be accompanying her on this international adventure.

Joan parked the car in a lane where they could unload the bags easily. Aubrey, always full of energy, quickly jumped out to grab Ellie's suitcases, while Joan, calmer, opened the trunk to take out Livai's travel crate. Ellie stared at the large white crate, its reinforced metal bars. She had insisted on getting the best and most spacious one to make sure Livai would be as comfortable as possible during the flight. But even with all this preparation, the thought of him being confined in there for so many hours still worried her.

Livai, on the other hand, looked completely relaxed, standing beside her, tongue hanging out, eyes sparkling. His tricolored coat glowed in the sunlight, and his tail wagged slowly. He had no idea what was in store for him.

Aubrey: "It's gonna be fine, you know, Livai's an awesome dog. He'll handle it like a champ."

Ellie: "I know, but it's his first time on a plane, and for 8 hours too."

Joan bent down to tap Livai behind the ears.

Joan: "As long as he's got his favorite stuffed animal and some treats, he'll be the last one to start a rebellion in the cargo hold."

Ellie chuckled softly at his comment. Joan was right: Livai, as energetic as he could be outdoors, was also an incredibly calm and well-behaved dog once in a secure environment. His rabbit-shaped stuffed animal, a toy he'd had since he was a puppy, never left his side, and Ellie had made sure to add it to the crate along with some of his favorite treats. All she could do now was trust her loyal companion and hope the flight would go smoothly.

After double-checking everything, Ellie placed her hands on the crate, looking into Livai's eyes.

Ellie: "Ready for Australia, big guy?"

Livai responded with an excited little bark, his tail wagging joyfully.

Aubrey: "Of course, he's ready, Ellie, you're stressing more than he is."

They walked toward the airport entrance, Livai trotting happily beside them. The main hall was filled with busy travelers, each dragging their suitcases or rushing toward a boarding gate. Ellie held tightly onto Livai's leash, trying not to get distracted by the bustle around them.

After checking in her dog, an airline employee came over to verify the crate and the required documents for transporting Livai. Ellie felt a wave of anxiety as she watched the crate being gently closed around her companion. Livai looked at her calmly through the bars, not a hint of agitation.

"He's really calm, that's rare," the employee said with a smile. "He'll handle the flight well, don't worry."

Ellie nodded, trying to convince herself that everything would be okay. She knelt in front of the crate one last time. "I'll see you in Melbourne, okay?" she whispered, sliding her fingers through the bars to pet Livai's nose. "Be a good boy."

Livai gently licked her fingers as a sign of affection, then lay down quietly in his crate, resting his head on his stuffed animal.

Joan and Aubrey stayed silent, respecting this moment between Ellie and her dog. They knew how much Livai meant to her, and they understood the worry she felt about leaving him in an environment she couldn't control.

Once the airport staff took Livai away, Ellie turned to her friends, trying to hide her emotions.

Ellie: "Well, I guess it's time to say goodbye."

Aubrey immediately pulled her into a tight hug.

Joan: "You're gonna miss us, Make the most of it."

Aubrey: "I'm so happy you're having this adventure, I hope Billie takes good care of you."

Ellie smiled, touched by their words. She knew she was lucky to have such solid friends by her side, friends who supported her in every decision, even the craziest ones.

Ellie: "I'm gonna miss you guys too, family. We'll meet up soon in Paris."

Joan nodded with a smile: "It's a promise."

Aubrey: "Can't wait, alright, have a safe flight, gorgeous."

After one last round of warm goodbyes, Ellie made her way to security, turning back one final time to wave. Joan and Aubrey waved back before heading toward the airport exit.

Ten hours later, after what felt like an endless flight, Ellie finally landed in Melbourne. The trip had taken longer than expected, and the jet lag was already starting to set in. She felt exhausted, but the excitement of finally stepping foot in Australia kept her going. Melbourne was bathed in the warm light of a summer afternoon, and Ellie immediately felt the difference in atmosphere compared to Portland.

After collecting her luggage, Ellie headed to the animal pickup area. Her heart raced a little faster at the thought of seeing Livai again. She hoped the flight had gone well for him. When she arrived, she quickly spotted Livai's crate, and a wide smile spread across her face when she saw him.

Livai was lying peacefully, his head resting on his stuffed animal, exactly as he had been when he was put in the crate. His eyes were half-closed, and he seemed to be lightly dozing, probably still a little dizzy from the journey.

An airport employee greeted her with a smile. "Here's your companion. He was very well-behaved during the flight. No issues at all."

Ellie immediately crouched down in front of the crate and opened the door. Livai slowly stood up, stretching his legs with a small contented whine. She lovingly petted him, relieved to see him in good shape.

Ellie: "Hey, big guy, so you were a champion ?"

Livai, clearly thrilled to be reunited with his owner, licked her hand before standing up to exit the crate. He shook himself lightly, as if to shake off the daze of the flight, then looked around curiously, sniffing the fresh Melbourne air.

Ellie, still smiling, clipped the leash onto his harness: "Ready to explore Australia?"

After finalizing the last details with the airport staff, Ellie called a cab to take them to their hotel. The drive to the city center was lined with trees and large expanses of greenery, and Livai, pressed against the open taxi window, couldn't help but stick his head out to sniff the Australian air.

Ellie smiled as she watched him so happy. "Damn, you already seem to love this"

The ride to the hotel wasn't too long, and Livai remained fascinated by every detail of the landscape passing by. The bright green parks, the modern buildings mixed with charming old architecture, and that unique feeling of being in a new place, far from everything they knew.

Finally, they arrived at their hotel, a beautiful building not far from the city center, surrounded by lush gardens. Ellie got out of the cab, thanked the driver, and attached the leash to Livai again before walking toward the entrance.

Kate was already waiting in the lobby, a big smile on her face.

Kate: "Ellie!! How was the flight?"

Ellie: "Hey Kate! Fucking long, but can't complain."

Kate leaned down to pet Livai, who wagged his tail enthusiastically. "So you're the famous best dog in the world ?"