Short Random Tidbits

The Boy (unfinished opening)

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please fasten your seatbelts...”

The plane lurched as the pilot turned it into a dive. A bead of sweat coursed a journey across the girl’s cheek.

“Lily, it’ll be fine. We’re nearly there. Hold on, honey.” A warm and familiar hand was placed on top of Lily’s own, but she still pushed her eyes together tighter. “Lily.”

And then it was over. The sound of wheels landing on tarmac sounded in Lily’s ears: she hastily wiped away the tears that had been forming around her hazel eyes, and then opened them.

She was sitting in a sickly blue and pink chair which had obviously been passed its prime; there was a ghastly yellow stain on the seat when Lily had arrived. In front of her were rows and rowsits brothers and sister, each one being rapidly vacated by its occupant. In the seat across from Lily, a small boy sat, sucking absent-mindedly on his thumb and cradling a battered teddy bear. He was alone and seemed to have no intention of exiting the plane.

“Martha,” Lily said to the tall, black-haired woman who had spoken to her previously, “Martha, I think that boy has lost his mum.” She pointed to where he was sitting. Martha looked up.

“I’m sure he’s fine. Worry about yourself for a change, sweetie. Are you alright? We should probably complain. Plane journeys these days just aren't comfortable..."

But Lily's mind was elsewhere. She smiled at the boy as they walked past, giving him a small wave in the process. She hoped someone would find him and keep him safe.