Airport

Terry gently caressed the white lace fabric that covered a journal. His eyes shined like streams of light.



He carefully placed a tiny wooden horse on the journal that was resting on his lap. Surveying the surroundings, his eyes stopped on a toddler crawling near the black chairs.



“You sure you want one of these?” the lady sitting next to him joked.



“My wife and I are expecting one in about 6 months.” He replied.



“Congratulations.”



“Thank you. Children are a blessing.”  He smiled.



"Yeah, s'pose they are," she chuckled. "I'm Lula. My li'l blessin' over there is Francis."



"My name is Terry. It's nice to meet you, Lula."



"I wish you and your wife the best of luck."



Terry smiled. Lula turned her attention back to the television attached to her seat. "In the national news, another body was found in a public restroom in Persnickety, South Carolina. The crime scene evidence points to the Restroom Killer." Terry glanced at the monitor. "Join us at 6:00..."



"Plane?" said Francis.



"Yeah, baby pla...Is somethin' wrong with that plane?" Lula asked Terry. He turned his attention to the window. "It looks a little shaky. Don’cha think."



"Yes, and it seems to be coming in too..."



Terry rushed to the window. Lula and Francis followed.  Their gazes followed the path of the plane traveling on the runway. Screech! Bam! Screech! Boom! Boom! Metal screamed as the ground quaked. Terry's eyes widened, Lula's mouth fell wide-opened, and Francis pointed. People in the terminal gasped, flinched, and screamed.



"May I have everyone’s attention please? Flight 102 has crashed. For those who were waiting on this flight, please remain in the terminal while we assess the situation. We will give an update as soon as possible."



"Dear Father, I intercede on the behalf of Sam and our baby. All I ask is that they were not harmed in the crash. Amen." Terry continually twisted his wedding band around his finger.



Lula asked, "Would you also pray for my husband? His name is Dan. Dan Carter." Several people within hearing distance requested that Terry pray for them also.



"Why don't we all join hands and pray together?" said Terry.



"You lead," said Lula.



"Sure," said Terry. Several people took one another's hand in their rows in which they sat. As Terry prayed more people joined hands in prayer. "Dear Lord, I petition you on the behalf of these people and their loved ones who desperately need your favor. Lord God, hear me. Lord God see me. Lord God save them from the terror of destruction. Deliver them from the hand of the enemy. Amen."



"Thank you for your patience. I will call the names of passengers that were aboard Flight 102. If your party is called, please form a line in front of the representative to your left." Lula and Francis left the terminal with the first group.



The news anchor announces, "A passenger jet crashed this afternoon at Cashwah Airport.” Terry moves to Lula’s seat to get a closer look. “The number of survivors, injuries, and fatalities will be announced at 6. In the national news, another body was found in a public restroom in Persnickety, South Carolina. Join us on Channel 13 at 6."



“Please listen for the second list of names. If your party is called, please form a line in front of the representative to your left.”



"My name is Betty. All of the passengers named in the second list survived the crash and are not seriously injured.” Betty opened the door and stepped aside. Tears of joy, squeals of happiness, and jubilant hugs and kisses continually filled the room. Terry searched through the crowds of people, but could not locate Samantha.



"Your name is Terry Smith and your wife's name is Samantha, right?" asked Betty



"Yes," he said with a furrowed brow.



"Your wife is fine. She just went to the restroom just a few minutes ago. She will be back shortly."



"Thank you." His brow now relaxed.



"You’re welcome."



People intermittently left the room until only Terry, Betty, and airport security remained. "Have a seat, Mr. Smith. I will go to the restroom to check on your wife." After security is called out of the room, Terry is left alone. He turned his attention to the T.V. hanging in the corner.



“In the national news, another body was found in a public restroom in Persnickety, South Carolina. The crime scene evidence points to the Restroom Killer who is believed to be responsible for 10 serial killings this year. The Persnickety County Police Department is working with the F.B.I. to capture the Restroom Killer who is still at large…."



A security chief carefully enters the room and closes the door softly.



"Terry Smith? Your wife's name is Samantha Smith, right?"



"Yes." Terry swallows hard.



"Mr. Smith. Are these your wife's belongings. Is this her Driver's License?"



"Yes. What's goin' on? Where’s my wife?"



"Mr. Smith. I'm sorry but an airport employee found your wife in the bathroom stall. It appears that she has been murdered."



"She, she was pregnant," he managed to get out through sobs.



"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Smith. The police department will contact you tomorrow to arrange for you to identify your wife's body. In the mean time, if you have any questions, here is my card. My name is Leon Shanks. I know this is a terrible shock. You really should go home and try to rest. Is there anyone who can pick you up?"



"No. I'm gonna go now."



"Are you sure? I could..."



"I'm sure." Terry starts out towards the door.



"Wait Mr. Smith. I'm sure that you don't want to leave these behind." Leon offers the journal and wooden horse to Terry.



"Just trash them." Terry walks out.