Contributor: Steven Winters
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The sound of conveyer belts and the news, shown on dusty 90’s television screens, dominate the empty baggage claim as she stares toward the escalator which leads from the main terminal. Even as the broadcast tells its usual tales of death and debauchery, it matters little to her.
She waits there in an ivory dress, the one she wore the day he first met her all those years ago. A small, tear drop sapphire rests several inches above her chest; the first gift he ever gave her, “It accents your beautiful eyes.” All that matters to her is that he is coming home from the war front, and she wants to meet him the same way they first met. The rain that patters outside even has a romantic ambiance as she can see them walking through it together, clasping hands in a downpour as happened on their wedding day. Even though they have no children, promises of his return intimate that he would like to start a family.
Ten minutes after his scheduled arrival, still no sign of him as she waits at the baggage claim. It must be a slight delay. Half an hour later, people come and go, but still he has not arrived. After an hour she looks at the old screens, a flight has crashed in the Atlantic, and a tear traces her face. The newly reunited families who greet each other so affectionately only see a girl who waits alone.
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Steven Winters is an undergraduate student working towards a dual degree in Creative Writing and Microbial Biology at Auburn University. When he is not studying, he can be found outside enjoying the the elements.
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The sound of conveyer belts and the news, shown on dusty 90’s television screens, dominate the empty baggage claim as she stares toward the escalator which leads from the main terminal. Even as the broadcast tells its usual tales of death and debauchery, it matters little to her.
She waits there in an ivory dress, the one she wore the day he first met her all those years ago. A small, tear drop sapphire rests several inches above her chest; the first gift he ever gave her, “It accents your beautiful eyes.” All that matters to her is that he is coming home from the war front, and she wants to meet him the same way they first met. The rain that patters outside even has a romantic ambiance as she can see them walking through it together, clasping hands in a downpour as happened on their wedding day. Even though they have no children, promises of his return intimate that he would like to start a family.
Ten minutes after his scheduled arrival, still no sign of him as she waits at the baggage claim. It must be a slight delay. Half an hour later, people come and go, but still he has not arrived. After an hour she looks at the old screens, a flight has crashed in the Atlantic, and a tear traces her face. The newly reunited families who greet each other so affectionately only see a girl who waits alone.
- - -
Steven Winters is an undergraduate student working towards a dual degree in Creative Writing and Microbial Biology at Auburn University. When he is not studying, he can be found outside enjoying the the elements.
Author:
Steven Winters
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