Flight of Love: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Embark on a riveting journey with Bridget as she navigates the complexities of airports and the turbulent skies of her emotions. In this captivating tale, airports become more than just terminals; they are the backdrop to Bridget's unfolding story of anticipation, anxiety, and unexpected twists. As Bridget faces the challenges of air travel, her mind is consumed not by the upcoming flight, but by a deeper concern for her mother. The narrative weaves through the intricacies of family dynamics, heartbreak, and the resilience of love. Mrs. Perez, an elegant woman known for her rare misfortune, takes center stage in a story that explores love, loss, and the unexpected turns life can take. From the shattered remnants of Jessica's world, where love crumbles into a thousand tiny fragments, to the resilient spirit of a mother willing to make sacrifices for the sake of a changing relationship, the emotional depth of this narrative is both powerful and moving. Brigitte, having faced her own struggles, embarks on a poignant journey back to her hometown, where a delayed flight and a fierce blizzard in Alaska set the stage for unexpected encounters. The chaotic airport terminal becomes a microcosm of life's uncertainties, with passengers waiting for delayed flights amidst canceled plans and piled-up luggage. Amidst the chaos, Brigitte finds solace in the Terminal Cafe, where the atmosphere is charged with discussions of success, visualization, and the pursuit of elevated norms. The cafe becomes a sanctuary for reflection as Brigitte indulges in an exceptional breakfast, breaking her own rules to savor the moment. Enter a mysterious middle-aged man with a wheeled suitcase and a black leather briefcase, adding an intriguing twist to the narrative. As he confidently joins Bridget at her table, the story takes an unexpected turn. The man, seemingly indifferent to the chaos around him, embodies the essence of life's masters – ordering without a glance at the prices. Experience the magic of airports, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unexpected connections that can shape our journeys. This is not just a story of flights and airports; it's a compelling exploration of life's highs and lows, love's complexities, and the indomitable spirit that propels us forward.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223919094

Book preview

Table of Contents

Flight of Love (contos, #1)

Bridget didn't like airports.

It was the anticipation before the boarding time when you didn't know how to occupy yourself

and deal with the growing anxiety.

She felt completely dependent on the staff, the reliability of the airplanes, and the

weather conditions.

Bridget had been afraid of flying since childhood, but she tried to push away her anxious thoughts.

However, today they were not related to the upcoming flight.

Bridget was worried about her mom.

She wasn't getting in touch and didn't answer her calls, even though the last message on

her phone had been read not too long ago.

Perhaps her mom was just tired and went to bed early.

Lately, she had been complaining about weakness and poor health.

Bridget sadly thought that this trip back to her hometown wouldn't be the same.

She loved her mom very much and was particularly concerned about her.

Mrs. Perez was known for her rare misfortune.

Even in her slightly over 50s, unpleasant things always seemed to happen to this elegant

lady.

Maybe she's been cursed, her friends would say about her.

She remained strong herself.

Well groomed and well dressed, she looked no more than 40 at first glance, and only upon

closer inspection would people realize they were slightly mistaken.

A few weeks ago, Mrs. Perez informed her daughter that she was getting a divorce.

Deep down, Bridget knew that it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Bridget met Barry five years after her father's death.

She was 10 at the time.

The man had his own business, a car service and car wash.

By the city's standards, he earned quite well, but in reality, the entire business relied

solely on him.

Without his involvement, the operation would immediately come to a halt.

Barry was headstrong and didn't tolerate objections.

However, he won Jessica over with his problem solving skills and ease in achieving his goals.

Before meeting him, Jessica led a quiet, measured life, never planning to remarry.

With Barry, she started afresh.

Jessica rode the waves of a wonderful daily celebration, feeling loved and desired.

Even Bridget sometimes joined them, never feeling like a third wheel.

She willingly went on hikes with them, for which Barry turned out to be an avid enthusiast.

How wonderful it was.

To pack up and go camping in the wild with a tent, a cooking pot, and a guitar.

To sit by the river in the evening, warming oneself by the campfire and dreaming about

the future.

To watch the water and hear the splashing of fish at the factory.

Bridget sincerely wished her mom happiness.

Year after year, everything went in the usual routine.

Barry actively participated in raising Bridget.

Despite being busy, he always found time for his family.

He spent his rare weekends with his loved ones, and it seemed like it would last forever.

And then, during dinner, he simply and casually announced that he had fallen in love with

another woman and would be filing for divorce.

Their lives, still so tightly intertwined with Jessica, were shattered.

It wouldn't be enough to say that the woman experienced shock.

Her world crumbled.

It shattered into a thousand tiny fragments.

Yet, upon hearing the news, she didn't even shed a tear, but her soul screamed.

Why?

How?

How can he, she thought?

After all, she had always loved Barry and taken care of him.

And even though Jessica was reserved in her feelings, she always tried to support her husband

in any endeavor.

She understood and empathized with his every emotional outburst.

Since their youth, they had been not only lovers, but also best friends.

The thought that her husband could become infatuated with another woman to the point

of demanding a divorce never crossed her mind.

We need to part ways, Jessica.

And don't look at me like that.

Nothing terrible has happened.

Go on living and enjoy life.

Wash the dishes, Barry said, nodding toward the dirty dishes that remained from dinner,

before hurriedly retreating to the hallway.

He did it as if fearing that forks and plates would come flying after him.

That same evening, Jessica returned home with two heavy suitcases.

Through acquaintances, she learned that her rival's name was Camilla.

She was an architect from a competing firm to her husband's company.

She was 12 years younger than Barry.

Mrs. Perez was a smart woman.

She never expected her husband's eternal faithfulness, but she thought they were inseparable at

the soul level.

Now, at 55, she realized that her feelings for her husband had changed over the years.

Infatuation had grown into true love.

She was willing to make sacrifices for the sake of their relationship.

She understood her spouse.

His feelings for another woman.

But the thought of him leaving her was something Jessica couldn't even imagine in her worst

nightmare.

Losing Barry was terrifying.

And although disappointment and hurt weighed heavily on her, her love for him remained unchanged.

Brigitte was replaying the last conversation with her mother in her mind, reflecting on

how difficult it is to go through a divorce alone, especially after so many years of a

fulfilling and prosperous family life.

Brigitte herself had separated from her husband Alexander last year, and it wasn't easy for

her either, but she pulled herself together and moved on.

Positive psychology wouldn't help her mother anymore.

That's why Brigitte took a two-week vacation and went to her childhood town, especially

with Christmas approaching.

It was a day when she least wanted to leave her mother alone.

The flight was delayed.

In Alaska, a fierce blizzard was raging, unlike anything they had seen in five or six years.

Snow had been falling for a few days, causing many flights to be delayed, which affected

the return journey as well.

Inside the airport terminal, there was chaos.

Passengers were waiting for their flights.

Some