A GOOD SIGN
001
You know the first time I boarded a plane I couldn't help but wonder, "Why does it look like a bus on the inside?" Another thought I had was, "Everything seems so tiny from up here. "
…
Even then, 10 years later, give or take, my thoughts pretty much remained the same…
The houses, the animals, the people they all looked so insignificant from this high up. A whole city could become an anthill depending on how you looked at it.
If that's how they see us, then I guess I can understand...
The elites I mean. They don't have value for people who aren't at the same high as them.
To them, we are like pebbles, no different from the ants that roamed the hill.
My thoughts were interrupted by the hostess lady with the little tray thingy, asking if I needed anything.
She was dressed in the formal blue and white uniform, she bowed politely, and she placed the contents of the tray on the extended piece that rested behind each seat.
Unsure what to do I bowed my head as well, causing her to let out a small chuckle as my hair fell out of place.
Looking at the contents before me which was supposedly a light meal, I lost my appetite immediately.
'Honestly, I should have just rejected it.' I sulked to myself as I picked up the cup of tea, being the only thing that didn't make me gag.
I raised the teacup to my lips. The tea had a lousy aroma, to be honest, but it reminded me of mom's Chamomile tea, which I used to calm my nerves.
Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.
After a few minutes, I had emptied the only two cups she'd given me. As for the crackers, my mind didn't even go that way. Yuck! Who the hell thought lemon crackers were a good thing?
I noticed just how oddly quiet the flight had been except for the sound of the moving plane, well then again we were due to land soon. Maybe everyone couldn't help but get a little shut eye?
I listened in on a few snores and heavy breathing. Maybe it was only in this way everyone was equal. Equally needing a little rest.
I turned around slightly as I scanned the area for Dad…
'Oh yh silly me, I forgot he's not here, he got on the flight before mine.'
It was my first time flying alone, well alone without Dad that is.
He said splitting up was the best way… The safe way.
But was it really? Anything could happen right now, if somehow 'they' found me… I would be in danger, no, everyone would be in danger… I looked at their peaceful smiles.
These people didn't know the risk I posed to them.
I looked beside me at the middle-aged man with a baby on his chest, he was practically half asleep, and the child had been asleep for some time now as well.
'He's probably very tired', His head was tilted weirdly as if he slept off but not really. He would be in for a world of pain when he woke up.
As I laughed at my own inside joke, he turned his head over to my direction and our eyes met.
My face flushed!
I didn't know he was awake, he'd probably felt me looking.
Was I staring too long?
"Your son is like an angel," I said abruptly, as his slightly confused expression turned into a smile.
Phew, the awkward situation was successfully escaped!
"I'd say he takes after his mother, a real eye-catcher."
"And he looks like a dove sleeping so peacefully, awwwn!" A little smile played on my lips.
"He's a dove until he's awake and well-fed." I was stunned but as if on cue, we both let out loud giggles with silly snorts in between.
"I can say he has a lot that I could be envious of right now."
The other passengers glanced our way, it was a hint to stop the noise, most people were trying to get some sleep…
After a few more pleasantries I turned back to staring out the window. The view was plain white, we were almost certainly flying through a cloud, it didn't take too long before I drifted off.
…
I was rudely awakened by the horrible sound of a shrieking child. Boy was he right! Talk about a rude awakening!
I didn't bother to know why the child was screaming so loud, that was his dad's job. I was more focused on the announcements that had finally come up.
My eyes scrunched as I tried to fully awaken.
BING!
"All passengers please remain seated as the plane is about to land, we are more than grateful for your cooperation throughout the flight and would love to travel with you again. Have a wonderful day... All passengers please remain seated...."
How long had I slept? I dropped back the headphones that came with the seat. The child was staring at them. Did he want them?
No, it felt more like he was staring at me, whichever one it was the crying had stopped, and he was now smiling.
I felt thankful but… Why did it feel like he was mocking me?
…
Getting down from the plane the cold, Hokkaido air greeted me.
"Acho!"
Ugh, cold. Spring in Japan wasn't much of a 'warm' welcome. Get it? Warm welcome?
'…'
Anyway, I had spent most of my years in the UK but coming back here it didn't feel like much had changed. I took a cab and sent Dad a message.
'The flight was smooth, I'm headed to the hotel now.'
'Also, can we do the moving tomorrow?'
No reply. Hmm, I guess he's not online?
I wanted to spend the night in a place like Tokyo, city lights at night are one thing worth looking at before moving on to a more secretive town.
Dad on the other hand wants us to go far away as fast as possible.
Yeah, I get it, we are in danger! Big deal!
Even if we are on the run, there's no way those people can make it over half the world in one night right?
It's not like they know where we are right now, and even if they did know and wanted us dead, then wouldn't crashing the plane or my taxi be the fastest route?
Nothing bad could 'possibly' happen in one night right?
In the taxi I kept my eyes on the driver, my thoughts of getting into an 'accident' weren't cancelled out but I doubt anything would have happened, the man looked peaceful and pleasant to the eye.
I had the taxi drop me off a few blocks away from the hotel and I got down, it was a good sign.
I pulled out my phone, but no messages yet, 6:59 pm. Hope everything is alright on his side.
I looked up just in time, the lights outside the hotel building flickered on, and then all the other buildings joined in rhythmically, illuminating the area nicely.
The lights here were pretty, mesmerizing.
Entering into the building, I went straight to the reception where my booking and room number were confirmed under the name Misaki Sukine.
Never thought I'd be using a fake name in this life, but here we are.
I was Japanese by blood so it's quite convincing if I do say so myself, I made my way upstairs to my room, man I needed a bath, the key entered the lock and I turned the handle, opening the door.
I guess the cleaners made a mistake I only unlocked it once, they should lock it twice next time.
The lights from outside were bright enough for me to see the layout of the whole room, there weren't any small lights I could identify.
To be fair I'd rather use the light coming in from the window than turn on the big light, those were always too bright.
I entered in and pulled out my phone, I wanted to check on Dad, but he still hadn't answered my text.
Maybe I should call him.
I closed the door and placed my bags on the table, I dialled Dad but he didn't pick up. As if to make my day worse the phone died right after.
Stupid Nokia. You need a burner phone he said. Its battery last long he said. Bull!
I had to go to reception and ask to use a phone, mine would take too long to charge up.
THUD!!!
Something fell? Was it a bag? I couldn't tell what it was, the lights were too dim, and I was starting to get a bad feeling.
But why did my body feel numb? Then I felt it. The sharp throbbing pain, someone or something had hit me.
A foreign hand grabbed my mouth covering it, while the other one held both my hands behind my back, keeping me down.
Struggle! I had to struggle!
I tried but I couldn't move the pain in the back of my neck intensified.
I couldn't scream, I couldn't escape either, I couldn't bite down...besides something smelled funny, why was I already sweating, or was it another liquid? Blood?
I was losing strength, my head felt funny I couldn't help it anymore I lost consciousness.
My last thoughts were, 'Oh f*ck me.'