Letters to Oliver: I Wish I Had Never Left

by Sentimentalthoughts

Higher Ground left me wishing to hear the letters from Shane to Oliver. Since we didn't get that privilege, I decided to try to write a few. Again, it is the incredible skill of Martha Williamson and the talent of actors who have bring these characters to life and to our imaginations.

14. Chapter 14: Get Off the Plane

Wednesday, May 17

Dear Oliver,

The operation is still on going. When I wrote you in the wee small hours of the morning last Friday, I thought I might be in Denver by the end of this week. I thought that when I completed the myriad filings that I would be finished. However, like winter in Denver, it just doesn't seem to end.

Yesterday, as I was leaving the building, I saw an officer step off the elevator into the lobby. Apparently, his wife and children were waiting for him. The children squealed "daddy" and ran to him as soon as they saw him. It was quite the reunion. My thoughts went to the people still in that outpost. Some have been there 15 months. If I am needed, I should stay. But the struggle between longing and loyalty is real. The loneliness takes a toll.

Is my absence taking a toll on you? Are you all right? I worry that you think I've abandoned you. I have been particularly concerned as of late. I had the strangest dream. It haunts me.

I dreamed the other night that you were at an airport, waiting for me. It was one of those dreams that you know it is an airport but you don't know why. It wasn't an airport that I had ever seen. You were standing at this wall of windows, looking out at the runway. You looked anxious and sad. You were holding a bouquet of flowers, wrapped in white paper. People were disembarking this huge plane by climbing down metal stairs. I could see everything as if from far above. I kept looking for myself to get off the plane.

I kept thinking, "Oliver is waiting for me. Get off the plane."

There were crowds of people – more than could possibly be on one plane - leaving the plane, climbing down the stairs. The first person I recognized was Hazel. She had her mailbag. I thought, "What is she doing with her mailbag on a plane? This isn't her route."

Then I spotted Rita among the masses leaving the plane. I tried to call to her but she didn't hear me. In my mind, she was meeting Norman. But I didn't see Norman. In the dream, this all seemed logical.

Then I saw Holly get off the plane. I thought to myself, "You are in Paris."

Then I recognized Dale getting off the plane. I thought, "She is supposed to be at choir practice." As I said, in my dream this all seemed to make perfect sense.

All the while, I could see you, standing at the huge glass wall, holding those flowers, looking at the runway, waiting for me, looking worried and alone.

Finally, no one got off the plane. The stairs were empty. I kept thinking, "I've got to get off this plane." I started shouting over and over again, "Get off the plane, get off the plane."

Then the door to plane closed with me still inside. I woke crying.

Help me Mr. O'Toole. I need something profound.

I need to get off this plane.

I need you.

When I step into hallways or go outside, I catch myself looking for you, as if you will magically appear. In my mind, you would smile and hold out your arms for me when you see me. I would know that you had come for me. I would run to you. I would not look back.

Trying to hang on,

Shane