AIR TRAFFIC | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

AIR TRAFFIC

Part Three (The Other Conversation)

17
AIR TRAFFIC

So the captain just informed everyone inside the plane that takeoff had been delayed...

A man in a black sport coat with silver hair and glasses turned to the man next to him with the intention to commiserate. However, the much older man sitting next to him had, what seemed to be, an innate pleasant expression. The silver hair man noticed this then realized his misery could not be shared with his adjacent passenger.

The older man was dressed in stereotypical old man clothes. He had on a golf cap and a plain red button down shirt that was neatly tucked into his obviously pressed khakis. Despite his seemingly business casual fashion sense, the older man wore bulky ugly (albeit practical) sketcher’s sneakers. All male senior citizens share the same wardrobe, respectable but outdated office clothing combined with abhorrent cross fit sneakers. Contrary to what you may be thinking, the older man was friendly and conversational and very much wanted to engage his fellow traveler in conversation, but was waiting for the right moment.

The silver haired man reached into his pocket to pull on his phone and his pack of cigarettes fell out of his pocket. The older man next to him and saw the pack of cigarettes on the floor and, in spite of the psychical pain it caused him, bent over to pick them up. He handed them to the silver hair man and said, “you know son, you really shouldn’t smoke, terrible habit really”. The silver hair man rolled his eyes in a familiar fashion, but appreciated the genuineness in the old man’s voice. He said, “Yeah, well I’m fully aware of what could happen, I’m a doctor actually”. The silver haired man was expecting a chuckle from the old man due to the irony of his situation, but it never came. “Well, not a medical doctor just a PhD,” said the silver haired man. Instead of chuckling, the old man listened intensely and seemed to be waiting for the conversation to continue. The silver hair man continued attempting to explain his poorly received joke, “Kind of ironic in a way I suppose, a smoking doctor. You know, I remember when people smoked on air planes too”. He then realized the stupidity in his sentence. Obviously the old man remembered those times as well. Waiting for a slightly condescending response, the silver hair man pushed his glasses up his face in preparation. However the old man remained as sincere as possible and told the silver hair man that he did in fact remember those times. “People sure use to be stupid, but you know you can’t blame them because nobody knew”. The silver hair man thought that this was a passive insult and felt slighted. The old man then said, “But you know everybody does things that are bad for them, some just do it in public” then he chuckled a little. The silver hair man immediately felt a sense of comfort after realizing the old man was not condemning him. Feeling more at ease, the silver hair man extended a handshake to the older man and introduced himself as Victor. The old man graciously accepted the handshake and said his name was Jack.

Personally, Jack is my favorite character in this story. Or maybe it's Victor, or Colin, or Colin's Mom. Are you supposed to capitalize Mom? mom? It's like god or is it God. I guess just capitalize if it feels RIGHT.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

709
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1426
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

4106
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

18121
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments