When Stephen got to the check-in desk, he walked up to the counter and greeted the customer service agent with a smile that was only partially forced. He handed over his ID and said “I’m flying to Edmonton.”
She returned his smile. “Very good, sir. Is that one of today’s flights or yesterday’s?”
Stephen blinked. “Sorry, what?”
She tilted her head sympathetically. “There was a storm in Edmonton. All flights were delayed for about twelve hours but they’re moving again now.” She scanned his passport and then checked her screen. “It looks like you’re on today’s ten thirty. It’s currently scheduled to depart at quarter to two.”
“F*ck.”
She made a face that wasn’t quite a smile, not quite a frown. “Are you travelling for business or pleasure?”
A sharp laugh escaped before he could stop himself. “A funeral. My father. Even though we’re estranged, my mother says I have to go help with some … things…” God. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I make myself stop talking?
“I’m so sorry for your loss.” The customer service agent extended a hand towards him, but stopped short of touching him. “Even when we’re not close, it can still hit hard – trust me on that. Let’s get your bags sorted and then you can go and sit somewhere with a cup of coffee. Maybe lose yourself in a good book for a few hours, yeah?”
Stephen sniffed. “Thanks, yeah. That sounds like a good idea.” He waved his phone. “I’ve got a phone full of books. I’m not sure I can focus on one right now. Might stick with music for a bit.”
She smiled. "That works too.”
Once she was finished checking him in and taking his luggage, she handed him back his ID. “Here you go, Mr. Kravchuk. I won’t say have a good day because I don’t think that’s likely. But I will say to try to remember the positives.”
Stephen nodded. “Thanks.” As he walked away, he put his headphones on. Retro MAPL🇨🇦 seemed like the right playlist for today.
Music from the worst time in his life shouldn’t have been his comfort listen. It didn’t make sense. The songs of his youth brought him joy like nothing else – even if the period was scarred by not understanding who he was and by his fractious relationship with his parents.
When he clicked shuffle, the melodic picking of a guitar filled his ears. F*ck, no – Our Lady Peace’s “4am” was a little too on the nose for today. He stabbed the button to forward to the next song. Morse code beeped a rapid-fire tune, followed by hand drums. Great Big Sea’s “Ordinary Day”. Perfect.
Breathing came more easily as he headed for security to begin his long wait for his delayed flight.
