I'm sorry, sir, but there's no way I can change your seating at this point. It's a full flight.

The airline worker says to me, she stands behind her desk, looking down at her computer.

Our original flight was cancelled, I say, pleading with her. This was the next available flight,

but we didn't have the option to choose our own seats like we did on the original flight.

There's absolutely nothing you can do. The lady looks up at me from her computer.

I'm sorry, sir. If I could see you next to your girlfriend, I would.

It looks like you're only a couple of rows away from each other.

Maybe you can ask someone to switch with you on the plane.

The stress of the last week sits on me like a monkey with a knife digging around in my skull.

I can feel myself slipping, but the last thing I want to do here is make a scene,

so I grumble to the woman in the blue uniform and head back to the crowded seating area.

I shake my head as I approach Sandra. She gives me a sad smile,

which does nothing to conceal the worry in her eyes.

It's completely full, my teller. They can't do anything for us.

She reaches over and takes my hand, her touch making all the stress worth it.

I look into her brilliant green eyes, set in the most beautiful face I've ever seen.

Her raven-colored hair frames and her angelic features give contrast to her smooth pale skin.

I love you. I say to her. I love you too, she says. I know she means it.

We kiss, a gesture that's cut short by the boarding call for our flight.

Our number is called shortly, and we stand up to get in line with all the other passengers.

I'll ask whoever sits next to you if we can switch. I say once we have our tickets and passports checked.

Oh, it's okay, Frank. She says, waving a hand. Nothing's going to happen. Don't worry so much.

...