The best presents are unexpected.
Picture prompts are still on hiatus, so this week’s prompt is:
“Write a story about two characters who surprisingly end up spending a holiday or event together.”
LAYOVER
Jonas glanced at the woman sitting in the aisle seat, then the empty seat between them.
“I think we hit the lottery,” he said.
The blonde pulled out an earbud. “What’s that?”
He pointed at the empty seat. “Ah, we got lucky.”
Her smile dazzled him as she plugged her music back into her ear.
That went well, Jonas thought. Not! He put on his own headphones and stared out the window.
The snow started as they backed away from the gate, and by the time they had taxied to the airport’s only runway, the running lights on the wing were barely visible. A touch on his arm made him jump.
“It looks bad out there.” She sounded nervous as she leaned across the middle seat and stared out the window.
Leaning back to give her a better view, he said, “I’m sure it’ll be fine.” The waver in his voice belied his own anxiety.
“I hope so. I’m Lois, by the way.”
“Jonas. Heading home for the holidays?” They shook hands, but Lois didn’t let go.
She nodded. “The only Christmas Eve flight I could get connected through the middle of nowhere.”
“It’s actually a great place to live—”
He was interrupted by the rev of the engines. She squeezed his hand tighter, but the whine and rumble cut off and an eerie quiet engulfed the plane. A moment later, the pilot’s voice came from the speakers.
“I’m sorry, folks, but the FAA just issued a ground stop for the entire Midwest. I’m afraid we won’t be going anywhere tonight.”
Jonas’s groan was drowned out by Lois’s sob.
Nervously, he leaned in and whispered, “I have a spare bedroom. It’s not much, but…”
Lois met his eyes, then pulled him into a hug. “Thank you.”
“Merry Christmas.”
THE END
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