2 Tough Landing

A wave of warm air envelops her, as she imagines hot water would if one were to fall into it face first. She counts her breaths - as a tax collector would money. Salt gave the air flavor, she noted - while ignoring all the other input her surroundings offered.

Honestly, all Niki cared about was that she was no longer on an airplane - and that she would be hugging her best friend soon.

If Lisa would ever care to show up, that is.

Niki checked her phone for what felt like the thousandth time. Perth, in the threshold of summer, was not a comfortable place to be in her opinion. At least not on an airport bench in the sun, that is.

****

Lisa stood immobile against Damian's ute door. She had imagined being reunited with Niky many times during the years they've been apart. Those dreams, now realized, seemed bitter-sweet somehow. Lisa's heart caved and she felt herself mourning and confused beholding her there.

They never lost contact and had supported one another weekly, even daily if the need arose. Niki and Lisa knew one another well, Lisa knew what to expect when her friend arrived. But now that the moment was here concrete reality hit her square in the chest.

"You ok, Lisa?" Damian whispered, careful to be out of earshot of the bench near them. He placed a hand on her arm and pulled her in, knowing how heavily the day had weighed on her. "I'll be right here," He assured the woman before him.

"I'll be fine" Lisa determined, drawing a breath. Damian softened to his naturally upbeat personality again, knowing she would be alright.

****

From her uncomfortable spot, she heard a familiar voice, "Hey, Niki!" At the sound she perked up despite the heat and sleepless flight.

"Lisa?!" Usually Nicki was reserved and displayed herself as the put-together type, but she was either too tired or too happy to mask the relief evident in her voice. The childhood forever-friends embraced, dropping all that was a bag or cellphone in the process, leaving Damien to do damage control.

"So, I'm guessing this must be Niki in the flesh?" He jibes, determined to insert himself into the festivities, "You weren't kidding when you said you're short - no wonder we couldn't see you!"

Damian had counted that tease as a win for him despite Lia's violent arm-slap afterwards, because Niki's outburst was infectious and Lia couldn't help but join in.

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