winter curse

return.

"thomas," my mother yelled up the stairs,"are you almost ready?"

"coming!" i replied. today was my last day in sacramento before i returned back to my home town to live with my dad for the next six months. i got together a couple of last minute things before collecting my bags and heading down stairs. i pulled luggage down the stairs and stopped at the bottom step dramatically and groaned. "do i really have to go? i mean dad doesn't even try and reach out" my mom stopped me with a quick finger to the lips.

"now don't be so negative about this thomas ray. think positive!" she says with that big bright smile of hers pasted on her face. i knew she didn't want me to go because she would be pretty lonely, but she felt bad that my dad missed most my childhood because of "personal reasons". i wish they'd just tell me why but secrets work too i guess.

"well off i go... don't forget me." i opened the door and stayed in the door way for a second waiting for a reply. i turned to face my mom. she waved a sad wave. i dropped my bags and gave her one last hug, i made this one really last. "i'll miss you. i love you!" then i ran out the door to get the awkward, sad goodbye over with.

~ ~ ~

i took a deep breath in, but couldn't find myself to breathe out. i sat in the half empty airport holding my breath. i pulled my phone out of my pocket to check the time '3:23 AM' and along with the time, 12 missed calls and 4 missed texts from dad. i was contemplating on whether i should call him back or not but a women with a quiet calm voice announced into her microphone "flight D2 with now be departing, please make your way to terminal B for 3:30 flight to yellow springs, ohio" i got up and grabbed my bags. i handed the flight attendant my ticket and made my way to my seat in the middle of the plane.

~ ~ ~

am i there yet? what time is it? i slowly opened my eyes. the sun shines brightly into my deep forest green eyes eyes, i squinted. ugh, did i sleep to long?  a finger lightly tapped my shoulder. i turned around to see a flight attendant in a baby blue and white uniform with a huge smile on her face staring at me. "so sorry sir, but it's time for you to get off... a-are you alright sir?" i stretched a little and ran my fingers through my long wavy, brown hair.

"uh yeah i'm doing alright. a little confused, i'm in yellow springs?" the flight attendant didn't speak she just gave me a little nod and crinkled her nose. i got up and grabbed my bags from the seat next to me. "thank you for your service." i shouted awkwardly. turning to face forward, i just shook my head in embarrassment, thank you for your service, how stupid. the airport seemed to be completely empty. i walked around looking for someone i could ask for directions, but no one. completely empty. vapor clouds formed in front of me from my warm breath touching the frozen air. i had never witnessed this type of cold. i took one last look around and then pulled out my phone. *12 missed calls from dad* i clicked on the notification and put the phone up to my ear. with every ring my heart stopped. then finally,"hello? thomas? are you alright? how was your flight? do you need me to come pick you up?"

"well hello to you too dad" i chuckled," um, yeah i was gonna just get a rental but this airport seems to be completely empty..." the other end of the line went completely silent," hello? dad? are you there?"