"Velvet"

 

Everyone goes through it eventually.

An airplane flight.

Everyone flies for different reasons.

Every passenger has their point.

I've been waiting for a long time.

But now,

On this warm May afternoon,

I was closing the 1,110th mile.

The sun was high above the clouds—

Piercing the window of my seat

And nearly blinding me.

I turned the other way,

Sparing myself from the light.

I was warm enough as it was.

Back home

It was still cold.

I entered the plane bundled

In a thick coat

And an owl shaped hat.

I had stripped the hat—

But I was still warmer than I would've preferred.

I put a sweaty hand in my pocket

And fingered the velvet case.

 

The plane soon landed.

I stepped off

and was greeted by even more hot air.

Free of a seat belt,

I removed my coat

And slung it over my shoulder.

I made my way through terminal

After terminal—

After terminal—

I paused.

Digging into my coat's pocket,

I took out the velvet case

And moved it into the pocket of my jeans

It was a tight fit.

It bulged out slightly.

She wouldn't notice.

Hopefully.

I finally made it to baggage claim—

And there she was.

It had been five long years.

I had crossed 1,110 long miles.

She ran toward me

And wrapped her arms around me.

I hugged her back.

We both stood there.

Holding each other.

Seconds passed

Before I let her go

And pulled out the velvet case.

I opened it—

And asked her something.

Nooooooowwww you put this on here....I was wondering when you were

Do you have anything to say, Kiana?

Do you have anything to say, Kiana?

Are you talking to me?