Plane

Short story | created randomly |

Don’t you think that we often have surprising moments that feel like pleasant surprises? These moments are like reading a book; something unexpected makes us smile. These moments can be connections from the past or coincidences that occur by chance. They show how people have different feelings and strengths as time goes on. Let’s Imagine a book with different chapters. When one-chapter finishes, another begins, taking us on a journey through memories. We think about our thoughts and the mystery of why things happen. Now, imagine being on a crowded airplane and two people sitting beside each other. It’s you and someone you would have never expected.

This story is about unexpected meetings, with good and not-so-good memories mixed in. I am not sure, but it could probably teach us important things about life, at least from my experience. It could tell us and many more that every journey, whether in the sky or in our hearts, shows how people are connected and how exciting it is to face things we don't know.

**

"Today is Dave’s birthday. I hadn't wished him a good morning or a happy birthday. He might be asleep, still enjoying hugging the pillows he ordered from Amazon. Dave’s day off is today, and I know he likes to sleep during the day. He didn't expect me to come. I left for the airport at three in the morning because my flight was scheduled for five. I didn't want to be late. With an economy class ticket, I carried one piece of hand luggage to New York City. My journey had been enjoyable until I met unfamiliar eyes that reminded me of some stories from the past. I rewound, trying to remember, and passed by with the wind.

**

Maybe I was at an altitude of thirty-five thousand feet. Suddenly, the passenger next to me, a man, was talking to his friend sitting behind him. I didn't understand anything and pretended not to eavesdrop on a conversation in a language I often heard in my apartment. I continued to focus on my laptop. I wanted to write down some poetry ideas that had come to mind. Everything seemed to flow slowly, and stopping was not a good idea when my thoughts, mood, and fingers were aligned. After a short while, I tidied up everything and put my laptop back in my backpack because I wanted to use the restroom. Flying is always exciting, but I hate using the restroom urgently. It's very inconvenient. I headed to the back. I smiled at the flight attendant, who responded with a warm greeting and smile.

After returning from the bathroom, I saw a different person sitting beside me. That was so surprising. He didn’t recognize me anymore. Maybe it’s because I have become slimmer lately due to my diet. Plus, I was wearing a mask. Quite surprised, I saw him in person for the first time, beside me, smiling and saying "Hi."

I knew it was him. That was him. Someone I had known when I was in my first semester of college.

I wasn't good at hiding my nervousness. I picked up my backpack from under the seat. He spoke again.

"I am sorry. I wanted to sit near the window, so I changed seats with my friend. He sat here before."

"No worries," I tried not to sound like myself. Or maybe it was unnecessary because he didn’t even recognize me anymore. I tried to act normal.

I returned to my laptop and organized some research drafts I hadn't finished the previous night. I was trying to keep myself busy to avoid talking to anyone.

"Do you go to Brown Uni?" he asked with his distinctive voice.

"Uhm, how did you know that?"

"I saw that," he pointed to the pin on my backpack.

"Yeah, it's my second year at Brown."

"Awesome."

Even after that conversation, it seemed he still didn't recognize me. That was fine. Our connection wasn't that deep. We were just two people who had once confessed to liking each other and wanting to get to know each other. That never happened. Especially when we had last decided not to talk anymore, he told me his parents were looking for a partner from his place. That's how it was. Traditions that persisted in this modern age, continuing and undeniable, had caused pain and heartache for many people involved in them in other stories. I didn't blame anyone but time itself, which had allowed me to develop feelings and share stories with this man at various points in the past. He had become a part of that. Something I didn't want to remember or forget entirely. Let it go. Also, the dim light that had once burned brightly in the recesses of my heart.

**

The flight attendant greeted us during the meal distribution. As she approached our seats, I asked for a bottle of water. From my side, he asked for a Coke and pretzels. I went to the bathroom before drinking the water I had received earlier. When I returned, I noticed he had already had his drink and started eating pretzels. I returned to focusing on my laptop until we were informed that the plane would land in thirty minutes. I shut down my Laptop, tidied my table and backpack, and sat back down. This journey felt empty.

A few days ago, I read a friend's writing, saying that feelings were fleeting, changing with the seasons of the heart and the events that come and go. Feelings were something that would surely fade or perhaps become even deeper. No one knew when. We could only acknowledge and navigate it all with awareness and maturity. I remembered it well.

While lost in my thoughts, he greeted me from the side. He wanted to use the restroom. As he was about to pass through the aisle and I was about to get up, we locked eyes, a 30-second intense gaze. I noticed how he was still looking at me. It was strange, but he was still watching me. His brown eyes, glassy and warm, reminded me of how hurt I had been back then.

When he returned and sat down, I took off my mask, drank some water, and tried to act casual. I knew he was looking at me and still recognized me.

"It's you. Do you still remember me?" he said.

"Hi. It's me. How are you?" I smiled coldly.

At the same time, the pilot announced that the plane would be landing shortly. We were reminded to prepare and fasten our seat belts.

"I am good, how are you? I knew it was you the whole time. I just wasn't sure," he explained.

I didn't want to know this; he didn't need to validate that explanation. However, for some reason, it felt relieving to hear this.

"What are you doing here? In New York?" he asked, and I felt I didn't need to share any stories. Before I could answer, the plane had fully landed. We both laughed awkwardly. This cut our conversation short, especially as everyone started getting noisy.

I switched to my phone and pretended to type a message, even though I was just in the Notes app. I tried to avoid this short conversation I didn't want to enjoy.

I got up as people started standing up and grabbing their carry-ons.

"How long are you going to stay here?" he asked.

"For a while, my boyfriend lived here, and today is his birthday," I answered vaguely, directing my gaze to my small suitcase.

From behind us, his friend greeted him. Maybe he was asking how he knew me. I didn't understand anything they were saying in their language. I didn't understand a word, except for a "Hi" from his friend to me.

I moved along as the rows of people hurried to exit the plane. As I passed by and waved, I bid goodbye.

"Bye," I said to him, and he responded sweetly.

"Take care. Nice to meet you, and good luck exploring the city,"

I heard it even though I had turned my head forward.

As I walked to the airport train station, I looked up at the sky and focused on the city skyline, covered with the familiar haze of pollution.

A quiet feeling of thankfulness filled me, like a special song playing in my mind. I felt happy inside, celebrating my safe arrival and the unexpected chance to meet someone from my past. It was as if fate had gracefully woven my journey. This unexpected meeting reminded me of important lessons that were helping me live a better life.

In the end, this story wasn't just about two people meeting each other for the first time on a plane. It was a reflection of all the meetings and moments that shaped my life. Probably, it asks me to stop and think about how luck could surprise us and how everyday experiences can change us. Whether we meet unexpectedly or in quiet moments, we can never always be ready for the magic that comes when lives cross and stories unfold. These were the times when we truly embraced the mystery of the unknown.

Cheers | G.April