193 Turbulent relationships

As the plane's engine roared to life and Zara freaked out. She held his hand, "Please don't go."

Her touch made his teeth chatter but he blamed it on the AC. She closed her eyes and said in a panicked voice, "I was four when I first hopped on a plane with my parents. Something went wrong and the plane nearly missed crashing in a jungle near the airport. Since then, I've developed aerophobia…I'm terrified of planes and flying."

Ryan's eyes were full of concern, "Then, why didn't you mention this earlier? We could have travelled by road or train."

The plane began to ascend and Zara took his hands in hers, intertwining her fingers with his. She was shaking, "I…I didn't want you to call me a crybaby." 

His voice turned soft, "Hey…I'm sorry, you should never let others opinions shape your identity; especially when that other is me."