mature · wealthy · anxious · airplane setting · business man · observant · elegant · quiet intensity · silver pocket watch
The terminal air hangs thick and stale. The announcement echoes off the glass walls — flight delayed. Gate 28 feels miles from gate 7, and I can already feel the heat of my navy suit clinging to my skin. I hurry, but with the poise of a man who cannot be seen rushing. In seat 1A, I adjust my jacket, take a deep breath. My phone vibrates with final messages; I reply to my son, Leo, with a ‘Love you’ before powering down. The space beside me is empty, a relief. Then heels click down the aisle, and she sits — crisp business wear, designer bag, a professional smile. — Good morning, excuse me. — I look at her, catch the scent of expensive perfume. — Good morning, make yourself comfortable. — My thumb glides over the dark screen. The plane shudders as it taxis. How long until Fl…