17 Other Fishes in the Pond

Tears rolled down her cheeks and she did nothing to stop them. She was not sure how much time she was in. It was only when a flight attendant knocked on the door asking if she was fine, did she stop.

Mumbling a reply she washed her face. She tried to look happy but her reflection showed the truth, it was a fake smile. Her eyes were red and it was clear that she has cried. She could do nothing to lessen the reddish hue or make it into a real smile. She was not in the mood to put an effort, just so the people around here would have peace of mind. She was not fine so what if it showed. Right now, she did not care a whit about anything or anyone.

Without giving it another thought she unlocked the door and stepped out. The flight attendant was still standing there and asked if she was okay? Shirley did not bother with a reply but nodded her head and then went back to her seat. She did not ponder if her Oscar-worthy performance has convinced the flight attendant or not. She simply sat back and put on the sleep mask with the hope that it will help.

Her mind just won't shut up. She took off the mask feeling annoyed. She was about to push the button to call for the attendant, she craved for a drink to numb her mind. Before she could do that she saw the same air hostess make her way to where she was seated with a tray of drinks. The air hostess looked at her as if she could see through her. Maybe she could. Shirley did not think much and accepted the proffered glass with gratitude.

Shirley thanked her, trying to be polite.

She has not lost her manners or anything for that matter. The air hostess did not deserve to be treated like shit because she was in a bad mood. Mild bitter taste engulfed her senses and she finished it off with one big gulp. Taking the other glass she drowned it too and then welcomed the buzzing sensation like a warm hug from an old friend. She prayed that her mind would have mercy on her poor self and be silent for some time.

She badly needed some sleep in her system before the next meltdown. She did not plan to end up in a hospital on her holiday. She is supposed to have fun, forget about that douche and move on with her life. There are so many fishes in the pond so what if one turned out to be a stinking fish. There are many other fishes like rainbow fish or goldfish or trouts or carps. With fishes on her mind, she finally succumbed to sleep.