Words Under Red

Arrival

"Here you are, Ms. Johansen," the flight attendant said as she set the club soda down on the center tray.

"Thank you." Even with her dark sunglasses, Katie was easily recognizable. Running through the terminal, she had just made the Red Eye. She sipped and exhaled, opened the cloth bag, and removed the shades and earplugs. 

She retrieved a mirror from her purse and checked her swollen lids. I can handle this. I have to keep it together. She inserted the earplugs, slid on the shades and reclined the chair, raising the footrest. She was exhausted and hoped to sleep for at least a portion of the six hours.

* * *

Softly tapping Katie's shoulder, the flight attendant whispered, "Ms. Johansen, we are starting our descent, please bring your chair upright."

 The sun was up and she felt rested, but being awake just made her aware of why she was even on the flight.

When they landed, Katie walked through the terminal toward Baggage Claim. She walked in a daze, staring forward, without eye contact. No one pointed, although many recognized her, but her usually cheerful manner was muted behind dark glasses.

* * *

She checked into the hotel and made a few calls. The wake would be this evening and the funeral on Saturday. 

She drew a hot bath and got in, submerged a small towel under the steaming water, wrung and furled it, and covered her eyes. The tension in her neck and back slowly dissipated into the warm water. 

After the bath she took a quick nap and awoke at 4pm to get dressed.