Short Stories

Airport Goodbyes

Airport goodbyes are the worst. 

Walking to the terminal with dread swimming in the stomach. Tears on the brink of falling from the eyes. Last minute ditches. 

At check-in, the dread amplifies. Wishing that the flight was cancelled or that he bought a ticket as well. Wanting to abandon the flight and head home with him. 

Instead, check-in goes smoothly and the large, black suitcase is heading to the baggage area. The suitcase held memories and souvenirs. Clothes, food, and other trinkets. 

Airport goodbyes are the worst. 

Walking to security is a death march. Other travelers whisking through security on holiday or business trips with not a care in the world who they were leaving behind. 

For others, it's hurtful. Hugging their partner until they can't breathe. Tasting the salt of tears on their lips when they kiss. Kissing their cheeks until red. 

The heart drops when she pulls away and is standing at an arm's-length. Tears are running down her cheeks as she holds his hand and looks at him one more time. After tonight, video calls are the normal. 

Tears drift down her face as she enters the security line. Before she disappears behind the barrier, she looks at him, gives a sad smile, and waves. He waves back with tears forming in his eyes. Trying to stay strong, she waves one last time and walks further down the line. Her body is now hidden from the barrier, ending their month of reunion and beginning their separation. 

Airport goodbyes are the worst. 

After security, she is sad. Nothing can make her cheerful and every step towards the gate invokes a new batch of tears. Nothing is worse than leaving her heart at the front of the airport. 

Nothing is worse than leaving him behind. 

The gate is the final cue and a small crowd begins to gather. Sitting far away from everyone, she stares out the window silently crying and watching the planes leave and enter the runway. All she wants is to be back at their apartment and not worry about her leaving. 

But, there is hope. Hope about planning a reunion in the coming weeks and months. Hope about closing the distance. 

Because with every sad airport goodbye, there is an airport hello ready to make its time.