Air was dry but still humidity touched the skin. Many feet, many different shoes covered the white shiny floor. The uniform that he wore was almost brand new. It fitted him perfectly even though he seemed to be misplaced in the corner where he stood. People around him were quiet as the people further out from him were more relaxed and chatty. If this was due to his presence he couldn’t say. He was nervous. The face he’d put on was calm and strict but not emotional in any way. It just was.
Nevertheless no one could feel his palms getting really warm and then turn in to perspiration. He squeezed his hands rather than dry them on his pants. He didn’t want anyone to notice. He was thinking about his family, whom he had left crying by the departures hall and who had waved to him while he passed security. He felt like a boy not wanting to leave them. He’d also never felt this much of an adult, seeing the respect the security guys gave him and the silence of respect people around surrounded him with. He was twisted but probably more scared than anything else.
He didn’t know what was awaiting him. He didn’t know what it looked like over there. he didn’t know anyone. He just knew he did this to be proud and for someone. He couldn’t remember who this someone was right now. Was it his parents or his future captain? Or was it to be received at home in 8 months as a hero? Yeah that was it. He was going away with sweat on his hands in order to become a hero. But what was it actually that he was to do? What do you do to become a hero? His mind speeded up the thoughts.
She turned her sight to him, noticing the difference he made of the crowed. He catched his eyes immediately and she exchanged a warm look with him. Then she saw his uniform and her look changed, her eyes narrowed and her faced was stoned. It was like she was turning in to a statue. Not being able to move. Her eyes found his again and she gave him a look that was more as an apology than excitement. he couldn’t read this.
Boarding started and people started to get up from the chairs. He was already standing and he had not left his eyes from the girl. It was his last chance to either be a boy or a man. Either he’d face the truth right here and now or he would do it once facing his destination. He had the uniform and the moustache but the inside of the costume was the one of a lost boy getting lost in a world he’d never be able to picture beforehand. He was lost once he stepped in to that plane and someone already knew it. He walked and was almost next to the girl.
