2732. Airport ordeal
© Bruce Goodman 22 May 2023


It was a terrible ordeal. There are somethings in life that wring you out like you were a wet dishcloth. I was due to pick up my wife at the airport. She was on a flight from Gabrielville where she had had a business meeting. A news flash had come over the radio; the plane was in trouble and limping towards its airport destination.

I rushed to the airport. Relatives and friends were herded into a large room that was private. Up to date reports and television were available. I have never been so stressed in all my life. The plane was so damaged they doubted that even if it made the journey it was next to impossible that it would land safely.

The plane came into view. It got lower and lower as it approached the runway. It touched down. I can still hear the screech of the tyres on the tarmac. The plane stopped. Almost immediately the emergency exits were in operation. People were sliding down the emergency chutes. I strained my eyes to get a glimpse of my wife. I didn’t see her. I was in a panic.

My wife never came into the emergency room. All the passengers were accounted for. I was in a state of utter bewilderment. I left the emergency room and wandered the airport building helplessly. There was a tap on my shoulder.

“There you are, darling. I’ve been looking for you all over. I caught an earlier flight.”

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