LISA
On the plane I looked around. The seat on my right was empty, the illuminated window on my left showing the busy life of airport workers. Only one thing made me put one foot in front of the other and crawl here was the hope of Mary being alright in the end. And one thing that chilled me to the bone was realizing that while I would be on the flight there wouldn't be any way to get in touch with me.
So, I sat there, waiting, trying to survive this thirteen-hour flight, then my connection, and then four hours more and I would be there. I prayed for her to hold on. All I did these days was pray to the gods who I hoped knew about me.
The plane rattled to the runway. An elderly couple sat in the middle row, her face pale as she clutched her husband's hand. I watched how he looked at her, soothed her fear, and cradled her head on his shoulder.
A sob escaped me. I watched this love and turned away to the window. I had this love, and I had lost it. Was I letting go of her too easily? Had she made a choice already?
Life without Jennie … an awful thought crept under my skin. I could do it. I lived without her before. I could live without her again. One single tear rolled down my cheek, and I caught the gaze of that elderly woman. She was scared, but she looked at me, with worry in her eyes, and then she searched my face and smiled.
The warmth tried to penetrate my shell, but all it brought, a prayer, a prayer for Mary to be alive, so she could help me mend my life after this crash. My heart, though, it wouldn't be mended, ever.
I nodded to the woman and closed my eyes before leaning my head back on the headrest.