Chapter 26
Charlotte
Tip #26: Airports are the perfect place for personal reflection.
T he airport buzzed with a chaotic energy that made my skin prickle. I arrived at my gate ridiculously early thanks to the lengthy delay. The information board still held the departure info for the flight before mine, so obviously I had plenty of time before my plane would even arrive.
I dug my thumbs under the straps of my backpack and hitched it higher on my shoulders, debating whether to brave the food court for some caffeine. The aroma of stale coffee and cinnamon rolls wafted through the air, tempting me.
“Yeah, I think this occasion calls for a latte and maybe a doughnut.” I announced.
A toddler wailed nearby, his cries piercing amid the din of rolling suitcases and muffled announcements. “Charlotte Fisher, please approach the gate desk.”
I stopped when I realized that it was my name I’d just heard announced. Confused, I looked back at the gate desk.
Was there a problem? My flight wasn’t leaving for a while. Hopefully it wasn’t overbooked and they weren’t kicking me off.
I joined the line at the desk, behind a frazzled woman juggling an overstuffed bag and a Chihuahua. The dog’s rhinestone collar glinted under the harsh fluorescent lights as it strained toward me, wagging its tail so happily I worried it might tip itself over with its enthusiasm.
“Easy there, Precious.” The woman yanked the leach. “She’s just excited,” she explained, flashing me an apologetic smile.
“Of course—she’s quite cute,” I said, even as I was mentally running down a list of reasons why I might need to check in with the gate desk.
Was there a problem with my luggage? Or was there an emergency? I fished my phone out of my backpack, half expecting a text from Ella or my family. There was nothing. I wasn’t sure if I should be nervous or relieved.
Precious and her owner were helped, and then it was my turn.
I smiled at the airline employees—a cheerful young woman and an older man with a pruney face.
“I’m Charlotte Fisher,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
The airline worker beamed at me, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to my unease. “Hello, you’re a lucky one today!”
I blinked in surprise. “Lucky?”
“Yes, lucky!”