This is the first installment of a 100-day challenge to write a new vignette every morning.
The thunderous roar of the jet overhead confirmed her worst fears. Allison stood in the airport parking lot, suitcase in hand, and watched the plane take off without her.
She blamed the traffic. She blamed the suitcase wheel that broke on the curb outside her apartment. She blamed Janine.
Allison hadn’t asked much of Janine over the years—a small loan here, a kidney there. It was all the least Janine could do after that day on the ice.
Allison did the only thing she could think to do: She pulled out her phone and called.
“I need you to buy another ticket…. I know, but I took two weeks off work for this. I’m not missing this cruise…. I need this, Janine. You of all people know I’m always putting everyone else first. I need a break, and you agreed to give me one.”
Allison’s new flight would be three hours from now. Janine had failed to get her on an earlier one, which would make getting to the ship on time a slog—and Allison made sure Janine knew just that. At least Janine had managed to get her a seat in first class; sitting in coach was simply impossible for Allison with her trick wrist, snapped while heaving Janine up all those years ago.
Satisfied, Allison hung up the phone and got back in her car to grab some lunch.
Miles Away 