Crossing Paths

It started as a usual day.

I woke up, got ready for my flight, called an Uber, and I was on my way to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater airport to travel to Syracuse, NY, where I grew up majority of my adolescent life.

As I arrived to the airport, I felt slightly uneasy, but knew this trip would be worth it.

While boarding the plan, I kept thinking about who I would be sitting next to. When I got to my seat, row 26 F, the window seat, I felt comfortable and ready for this flight back to my home town.

As boarding continued, two other gentleman joined my row. An older gentleman, around early 60’s sat in the middle, next to me on the left. Sitting on the outside, a younger gentleman, maybe early 30’s, a few years older than myself.

As we set for takeoff, I just kept my head turned directly out the window, not only out of admiration of the sky, but also out of shyness because I didn’t know the passengers next to me.

After some time passed, the flight attendants started to stroll around with the drink and snack cart.

Without hesitation, I asked for two nips of Tito’s vodka, ice in a cup, and Sprite in a can. Needed to calm the nerves.

The two gentleman looked at me, and I could tell they were surprised, but excited that someone asked. They both ordered the same, and that is how the ice was broken.

I looked at them and said, “It is five o’clock somewhere, am I right?”