The doors of the airplane slowly opened, and a tall, dark-haired man emerged from the cabin. His appearance wasn't so enticing and had reduced much weight compared to how he was a few months earlier. His eyes squinted as he stepped into the bright sunlight, and he took a moment to adjust to the change of light.
As he stood there, he stretched his arms over his head and let out a long, deep breath. It had been a long flight, and he was ready to get out of the plane and back on solid ground to relieve his tired limbs after several hours of being in the same spot.
He reached down and grabbed his suitcase, slinging it over his shoulder with ease.
He was a well-traveled man, used to long flights and layovers, but that moment was different, he looked exhausted and tired -both mentally and physically.
His face was gaunt, his eyes sunken in. The dark circles under his eyes were a testament to the sleepless nights he had been experiencing for the past few weeks since he left the States.
He had been working nonstop, trying to get everything in order before his trip. Now that he was here, he realized how much he needed this break. He was exhausted, both mentally and physically.
As he made his way through the airport, he tried to clear his mind. He knew he needed to relax and enjoy his time away from work, but it was easier said than done -he still has a long way to go. He had left the States to start all over again, to pick all his pieces together, but it didn't appear as easy as he thought it would.
As he walked away from the plane, he took a moment to look around him. The airport was bustling with activity, people coming and going, luggage carts rolling by, and announcements blaring from the loudspeakers. It was a scene he was used to, but it was still overwhelming.
He made his way through the crowd, heading towards the baggage claim area. As he walked, he pulled out his phone and checked his messages, but there were none. He's used to receiving messages from work and would quickly respond to them as soon as he gets down from the plane, but this time was different -everything has changed drastically for him!
He realized that he had changed, he's now a different person from the man he was a few months ago. It was like he had been living in a fog for so long, and he wished he were finally awake. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He knew he needed to focus on the present, not dwell on the past. He had a lot to do on this trip, and he couldn't afford to be distracted.
As he waited for his suitcase to come around on the baggage carousel, he thought about his mother. He hadn't seen her in months, and he was starting to miss her-her presence and her nagging as well. He couldn't wait to get back home and spend time with her, he was excited to see her again.
But at the moment, he contemplated if it's the right decision to see her at the moment. He's back in the States without her knowledge to finish what he started before disappearing into the thin air again -something his mother wouldn't approve of!
Suddenly, he heard his name being called over the loudspeaker. He looked up and saw his suitcase coming around on the baggage carousel. He walked over and grabbed it, slinging it over his shoulder once again.
He took a deep breath and steeled himself for what was to come. Likewise, he knew that things would be difficult, but he was determined to see this through. He had made a promise to himself, and he was not going to break it.
Furthermore, he walked out of the airport and into the fresh air. It was early evening and the sun was beginning to set. The sky was a beautiful shade of orange, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him.
For the first time since years -Ryan couldn't deny the feeling of peace that just swept him off his feet, and couldn't help but wish the feeling would last longer. Maybe things weren't so bad after all. Maybe he could do this. Maybe.・. maybe ・・・
Standing by the roadside, he flagged down a taxi to take him to any nearby inn where he could rest his tired limbs. There, he would plan his activities forthe few days he's planning to spend in the States -if possible, he might see his mother before returning to France; and if not, then, so be it!
After a short ride, he arrived at a small inn near the airport. He paid the taxi driver and walked inside, carrying his suitcase behind him. The inn was small and cozy, with a fireplace crackling in the corner.
It was surprisingly a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of France. Who would have thought the heirto the most prestigious company in the States would get used to such a simple lifestyle in a short period of time?
Ryan approached the front desk and checked in. He was given a room key and directions to his room. He headed upstairs, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he closed the door behind him. It was finally time to relax before jumping into actions. **********
Later that evening, Ryan went out to maybe take a walk and properly breath in the fresh air of the States again; like the old times. Barely fifteen minutes outside, Ryan felt his stomach rumbling in hunger.
Except for the snacks he was offered while on the plane, Ryan realized he hadn't had a proper meal since that day. He tried to hold himself, but his stomach rumbled louder, his hunger pang hitting badly on him.
He decided to head to the nearest restaurant, hoping to grab a quick bite to eat. He walked inside and was greeted by a waitress who showed him to a table. The restaurant was warm and inviting, with a home cooked smell flowing through the air.
He sat down and went through the menu, his stomach grumbling in anticipation. He settled on a hearty meal of steak and potatoes, with a side of vegetables. As he waited for his food to arrive, he sipped on a glass of water and tried to relax.
He ran his eyes through the restaurant to pass time away until the arrival of his meal. Just then, his eyes caught a glimpse of the feminine figure that was heading in.
"Why does she look familiar?" Ryan asked himself, trying to recall where he must have met with her. There is no way she will among his past clients since they are mostly males and secondly, they wouldn't stoop so low to come to such a restaurant as this.
Like his memory was expecting the lady to come closer first, his brain suddenly clicked as he remembered where he had known her from. "Sheila...!" He finally breathed out slowly in recognition.