After a long walk and PF Chang's lettuce wraps, I settled in to finish my book. Meanwhile, a family settled into the benches at the front of the waiting area.
The dad, at first glance, reminded me of my own son with a larger than life family. There were 2 little girls whose pigtails bounced as they skipped around the rows, counting each trip as if it were a trip around the moon. At times, they hummed a song that may or may not have been from Rock Dog, with frequent stops to hug their dad and their little brothers who ran with them intermittently. The little boys drove matchbox cars across the empty seats and along the window edges, laying on the floors at times as their seemingly boundless energy, waned. I suspected they needed naps, but the bright and busy space was not conducive to napping. They too, frequently cuddled up against their dad, who sat quietly during the moments left to himself. I admired his bravery, traveling alone with four young children.
I did not mean to eavesdrop, but their conversations with their dad were not whispered. "Why did we have to leave her in Salt Lake," one of them queried the dad. "I want her to come back." another one said loudly as she took over her dad's lap. Finally, the oldest settled next to her dad and began to sob, "I didn't want her to die." My eyes teared up as I took a deep breath and said a prayer for the young family, acting normally, but clearly in distress.
When they got up to finally board the plane, I noticed the pink band on the dad's wrist as well as the pink ribbon on one of his bags. I wondered if it had been her's.
I passed them smiling brightly and sitting in Business Class. I don't know whether the airlines had upgraded them or they were there by choice, but it didn't matter. They had cushy seats and good snacks for the next couple of hours, but a difficult journey ahead. I smiled and offered, "Hi," and then said a silent prayer for them all as I went to my seat.
4 comments:
The scene you paint is familiar and compelling. I can't help but be a bit curious. The way you use details to pull the pieces into possible explanation is thoughtful and deeply human.
Oh wow, Anita. There's a lot of sadness in people's lives that simmers below the surface. A lot to see when you're looking and paying attention.
Wow. This could've just passed as any ordinary moment, but those details turn it into a something profound.
Beautifully depicted, heartbreaking to read. What simmers beneath the surface...indeed. Those pink ribbons leave us with as many questions as they provide an unwelcome answer.
Post a Comment