This was originally published on December 7, 2007. I was going through my old works, editing them and considering deleting. But I figured this one, since it was my first, should stay. So here it is, freshly edited.
What is it about flying? No matter what was going on in Rafe's life, no matter how he felt, flying always calmed him. Somehow, even when his entire life was falling apart, he could still fly.
But now all that had changed. The only thing he could do was sob and cling to the body of his best friend. Wishing with his innermost soul that he could trade places with Danny. Praying for the miracle that he knew was never going to come.
"Danny!" Rafe's voice was more of a choked sob then an actual word. "Don't let go! Please!" But Danny never heard that last plea.
With a final sigh, Daniel Walker was gone.
What is it about flying? Rafe used to love it. Now, he could not stand being behind the stick. When necessary he could ride in planes, but being in the air only amplified the hole in his chest. Every time he left the ground the empty space beside him, one shaped like Danny, became more apparent.
Oh, he had tried to fly with other wing men, he was a soldier and he would do his duty. But no other pilot could fill that niche that Danny had left. No one else could keep up with him, read his mind, and anticipate his next move. He had finally given up, become an instructor. He believed he could never fly in combat again.
What is it about flying? Rafe swore to himself, and to Danny, that he was never going up in combat again, but as soon as he was transferred, he knew it was inevitable. And when the sirens sounded, and the props began to spin, Rafe scrambled into the cockpit of his plane on autopilot.
The instant his landing gear left the run way something clicked in his mind. It was as if he could feel the presence of Danny beside him, cheering him on, lifting his plane into the air. Danny was beside him once more, daring Rafe to push himself farther, harder, faster. But the presence was fading. Rafe almost began to panic, but a calm stole over him. Danny was not gone, just not necessary anymore. Rafe felt at peace for the first time since that awful night.
He knew when Danny peeled away from the formation and disappeared into the clouds.
They were both free at last.
What is it about flying? No matter what was going on in Rafe's life, no matter how he felt, flying always calmed him. Somehow, even when his entire life was falling apart, he could still fly.
Even now, when Danny was far away.
As he flew, he felt his spirit lift and soar with his plane. His cares slipped away. It was as if, for a brief moment, everything was as it should be.
And it was.