Chapter 1

1: Crossroad

The sun was high in the sky, embracing everyone and placing an extra layer of heat on their shoulders. There was almost no wind to relieve dried throats and sweaty backs. It could be perfect weather for celebrations and gatherings with friends and family. However, Heathrow Airport was one of the worst places to be. People, ready to leave the strangling heat of London, rushed through terminals, their suitcases and bags taking up the last bits of free space. Walls of brick and metal constructions turned the area into an oven, making everyone inside yield to the heat and become a part of a sweaty crowd.

Automatic doors opened and closed as people entered the terminal. The harsh sound set a certain rhythm to the chaos that enveloped the airport, then broken by Liam. He was a young man with soft ginger hair, a gift from his Irish ancestors, and healthy, freckled features. His silent, lean figure contrasted with the noisy background that didn’t seem to affect him. He was at the same time a part of the bigger picture and this one element that didn’t fit at all. His silhouette was pliant to the surroundings, soft around the edges and warm, reflecting the sun. Yet he held himself with an air of tension, his eyes full of unspoken emotions. He seemed like a man who was standing not in front of automatic doors, but in front of the promise of the new beginning.

Liam allowed the unexpected blow of wind to push him toward the entrance. Inside of the terminal assaulted his senses. First was the smell—A/C fighting the odor of thousands of sweaty bodies, then brightness and colors blinding his eyes, trying to tempt him into over-priced shops. Lastly, the noise made his headache even worse—crying children, hissing machines, and a shocked cry of a man who activated the metal detector. Liam closed his eyes and tried to go to his happy place. He kept chanting, like a mantra, reasons why he was here, but when his resolve weakened, he simply started praying.

He didn’t have to wait long to have his pleadings answered.

Like a siren’s call, he heard a soft but argumentative tone of voice whose owner was in a lively conversation with the receptionist in the Information Center. The young man had a tall and athletic frame concealed under a loosely fitting hoodie and jeans. His dark brown curly hair, thick eyebrows, and olive skin tone made him look intimidating. And possibly Italian. Even without entering the room, Liam could smell the cheap deodorant and he quickly deduced the financial status and age range of the male.

Intrigued, Liam walked inside the bright blue room.

“Please, there must be a free ticket. I’ll fly anywhere,” the young man said, sounding frustrated. Like all the other tourists, his skin was covered with a layer of sweat. Liam assumed he’d been standing there for a while.

“Sir, we’re in the middle of a busy summer season. Weather conditions couldn’t be better and you can’t cover more expensive flights. I advise you to sit down and wait. There might be a chance someone doesn’t show up for their flight.” The woman speaking was middle-aged and had a troubled smile on her face, yet, her client didn’t smile back. Instead, with a loud groan, he grabbed his backpack, the only baggage he’d brought, and sat down. The blue plastic chair barely held his weight and dangerously wobbled. He closed his eyes and his face froze in a miserable expression, as if he was praying for a change of circumstances.

Liam sat down next to the brown-haired man with, what he’d hoped, was much more grace than the younger man displayed seconds ago. He took in the other’s tired features—dark bags under his eyes, slightly pouty lips, and furrowed brows.

Something told him that this was his crossroad, where he could leave behind the old, hesitant Liam and become the Liam who grabbed opportunities. Although there was a chance he was still the same old soft-hearted Liam who could never refuse to feed and pet a stray. He coughed once, then twice, then grumbled and finally poked the young man in his ribs.

It took one offended look from the man and all Liam’s courage left him. He struggled to get it back as he spoke.

“I’m sorry to bother you but I’ve heard your conversation and noticed you’re in need of a flight ticket.” Liam simultaneously cringed and praised himself for creating a whole sentence. Brown-haired man didn’t seem to appreciate the attention as he looked at him weirdly and Liam realized how creepy he was being at the moment.

“Yes, I am,” the younger man answered in a tone that indicated he was ready to fight Liam if he was to even try stealing his precious ticket from him.