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We are told by the intercom to strap into our seats for landing, and we do; still holding hands, just as the windows go dark automatically, preventing us from being able to see where we are when we go below the clouds.
As we land, the pilot emerges to bring Danny into the front of the cabin to speak to his friend; the one they have arranged to make his excuses. Danny doesn't seem to suspect anything, even though he isn't all too happy about us being separated, but I know exactly what they're up to. I smile reassuringly; there's no reason for either one of us to fear right now, after all, and sit down in a good spot to watch the tv monitor seconds before it turns on.
My bosses and handlers are stern, and guarded, but their disapproval only last until I voluntarily bring up a project they have long pushed to make me focus on; one which I myself have always found rather mindnumbing. I just couldn't focus on it, back then, but now, at peace, I find it oddly tantalising. For the first time, I honestly want to.
The instructions and warnings are just what I thought they'd be. We are looking at at least two or three years of isolation, but neither Danny or I have many people to which we are close, apart from each other.
After they sign off, not bothering to make any threats as all they wanted in the first place was for me to cooperate, my mother comes onto the screen, apparently having been granted permission to speak with me.
Our conversation is short, and I step into the space occupied by the pilots shortly. They themselves are not there, so I guess they're in whatever space they've got to rest between flights. The windows are darkened here as well, and Danny is speaking to Scotty.
He looks beautiful like that, speaking to a friend. He looks guarded, still, and there's no wonder at it, but also animated. There's so much warmth there, not just in Danny, but in his friendship with his old friend. I do not have anybody like that. Had nobody at all, before him.
I watch him smile to his friend, even though he won't be able to see it, just because he makes him smile, and that makes me smile, too. I am not really listening to anything he is saying, as much as just watching him; I've intruded more than enough on his life as it is. I've never had anyone like him in my life, and I am so lucky that I do now.