Never Home

Over 22 hours in planes and airports, four in-flight meals, too little leg-space, two in-flight movies and almost no sleep. That's the long way home. I had sort of thought Daria would bring me a last surprise visit at Phnom Penh Airport. That didn't happen. Well, it's probably better that way...

When I finally get through customs in Brussels, I'm dog-tired. All I want is a cup of pitch-black coffee. Got a voucher in my wallet. Just need to get to Starbucks in the departure hall. A simple line of action. I enter the arrival hall and see an elevator door opening. I hurry to get in. No luck, the door closes right in front of me. Almost made it. I just catch a glimpse of two beautiful, dark-skinned flight attendants in pretty, yellow uniforms. I wonder where they're from and where they go to. East of here, most likely. I'm still daydreaming when the elevator door reopens...
"Come on in", says the most beautiful, brown skinned, yellowed dressed air-attendant I've ever seen.
For a moment I can't move. Enchanted by her beautiful smile, her perfect white teeth, her lovely big eyes and her friendly, exotic face. Maybe I'll just stay here and wonder. Then I get my feet moving and stumble in. I read the name of the airline on her uniform. Jet Airways. Where do they fly to and how can I get there too? Are there coconuts and beaches? Tropical forests and quiet places? The lift descends. I need to go up but never mind. When the door opens I swiftly slide out so the flight-attendant can leave. She just smiles.
"Thank you. No, we go up."
"Me too", and I jump back in.
The elevator moves up and makes another stop. This time I just stay in front of the door.
"We get out", she says.
"Oh, excuse me", I reply and move back.
She gets out, turns around and asks; "You have to get out here too?"
"No, I need to go up. I need coffee" (black coffee)
"Good luck to you", she smiles.
"Good luck" and I smile too.

The elevator goes up to the right floor. A cup of hot coffee and I'm on my way. It's a cold, grey morning in Belgium. That's alright, I'm home but my mind's already elsewhere.