The Airport of Goodbyes (and Promises)

San José International Airport was bustling with hurried travelers, rolling suitcases, and constant announcements about delayed flights and boarding gates. I observed everything from my seat in the waiting area, trying to stay out of the chaos. But, of course, Olivia wasn't going to let us say goodbye without making a scene worthy of a dramatic movie.

"I can't believe we're separating!" Olivia exclaimed, tears streaming down her face as if we were soldiers marching off to war instead of friends taking a four-day vacation. "This is the end of an era. An EPIC era!"

Lindsay tried to calm her down, though even she seemed affected by the spectacle.

"Olivia, you're exaggerating as always. It's just four days. We'll see each other soon."

"Four days can feel like an eternity!" Olivia retorted, hugging herself as if facing an insurmountable tragedy. "What if something happens while we're apart? What if we never see each other again?"

"Never see each other again?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Olivia, you're the only one leaving for another city. Lindsay and I live minutes away from each other. Literally, we'll see each other in a few days, I hope."

Olivia looked at me with wide eyes, as if I had just committed an unforgivable crime.

"Oh, right! How could I forget?! You two live in the same city… together… happily… while I'm stuck in another city, alone and abandoned. How could you do this to me? It's so unfair!"

Lindsay and I exchanged an amused glance. It was impossible not to laugh at her theatrics.

"Olivia, we're not 'together and happy.' We live in the same city, that's all," Lindsay said, struggling to contain a smile. "Besides, you promised to call us every day. You can't say you'll be alone if you plan to bombard us with messages every hour."

"Exactly!" I added, pretending to be serious. "And if you forget to call us, we'll send a drone to your house to make sure you're okay."

Olivia crossed her arms, clearly offended, but her lips trembled into a smile before she gave in to the humor of the moment.

"Fine, fine… But I want pictures of EVERYTHING. Pictures of your meals, pictures of your pajamas, pictures of your dogs, cats, fish… Even pictures of your socks if necessary! And they'd better be nice socks."

Lindsay shook her head, laughing softly.

"Only Olivia could turn a four-day goodbye into a theatrical production."

I nodded, though I couldn't help but feel a small pang of nostalgia. Despite all her exaggerations, I knew we would miss her. We boarded the plane together, settling into our first-class seats. The initial silence between us was comfortable, but it was also heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Once the plane took off, Lindsay decided to break the silence.

"So… Do you think we'll be able to see each other during these holidays?" she asked, looking at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

I knew exactly what she meant. My mother's letter was still weighing on my mind, and Lindsay was worried about how I would handle it all.

"I'm not sure," I replied, avoiding her gaze. "My father will probably have plans for me. You know how it is: business dinners, family gatherings… the whole package."

Lindsay frowned.

"Sack, I know your dad has expectations, but you can't let that consume you. You need time for yourself. To think… and maybe read that letter."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. I knew she was right, but the idea of facing the letter felt overwhelming.

"I don't know if I'm ready to read it, Lindsay. What if it says something I don't want to hear? What if it changes the image I have of her?"

Lindsay placed a hand on mine, her gesture full of warmth.

"Whatever that letter says, it won't change who you are or how much she loved you. You already know that. And if you need to talk about it, I'll be there for you. You don't have to go through this alone."

Her voice was soft but firm, and for a moment, I felt like maybe I could face it. Maybe I wouldn't be as alone as I thought.

"Thanks," I murmured, glancing at her briefly. "I really don't know what I'd do without you."

She smiled, though there was a shadow of concern in her eyes.

"That's what friends are for, remember? Besides, I don't think Olivia would forgive me if I didn't take good care of you during these holidays."

We both laughed, though the underlying tension remained. I knew Lindsay would do everything she could to be there for me, but I also knew my father wouldn't give me much room to maneuver. The holidays would likely be filled with obligations I couldn't avoid.

"I'll talk to him," I said finally. "Maybe I can convince him to give me at least one free day. If I succeed, we could meet up."

Lindsay nodded, visibly relieved.

"Good. And if you can't get away, we can always call or text. Don't worry, I'll find a way to make sure you don't lock yourself in your room the whole time."

I smiled faintly, though part of me still felt the familiar pressure that always came with the holidays. Lindsay would be there for me, and Olivia, though miles away, would still be Olivia, sending memes and extravagant messages to make sure we didn't forget her.

As the plane continued its journey home, I closed my eyes and let the hum of the engine envelop me.

--------------------------

When we disembarked, the atmosphere was different. There was a sense of returning to reality, to our everyday lives. Immediately, I spotted Amelia, Lindsay's mom, waiting with a handmade sign that read: "WELCOME BACK, MY LITTLE LINDSAY! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH, MY LAMBY!"

Lindsay froze upon seeing it, her face a mask of absolute horror.

"Mom… Did you really have to do that?" she said, covering her face with one hand.

Amelia, however, was radiant, completely ignoring her daughter's embarrassment.

"Of course I did! I had to make sure you'd see me among all these people, plus show how much I love you."

I approached, trying to suppress a smile.

"It's… quite creative, Mrs.… Amelia," I said, choosing my words carefully.

"Oh, Sack! What a joy to see you again. I'm so glad Lindsay has friends like you. Especially friends who take such good care of her," Amelia said, giving me an unexpected but warm hug.

"Mom, please, don't start," Lindsay interjected, still trying to recover from her embarrassment.

"What? I'm just stating the truth. You've always been a bit… reserved. But since you met Sack, I've noticed you've opened up more, and I love that."

Lindsay shot me a warning look, as if it were my fault her mother was making this public analysis of her social life.

"Thank you, Mrs. Amelia," I said, trying to maintain my composure. "Lindsay has also been a great friend to me."

Amelia beamed, as if I had confirmed some personal theory.

"Well, well, I won't keep you any longer. Sack, take care of yourself, and remember you're always welcome in our home. And don't forget to visit us soon!"

"I will, thank you," I responded, feeling slightly uncomfortable but grateful for her warmth.

Finally, I said goodbye to Lindsay with a brief but sincere hug.

"See you soon, Lindsay. And thanks… for everything."

"Of course, Sack. Take care. And don't forget I'm just a few minutes away if you need me."

I nodded, feeling a small wave of relief knowing she'd be close by. As I walked toward the exit, I saw my father's chauffeur waiting for me with a more discreet sign that simply read: "Mr. Sack."

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. My father hadn't even come in person, but at least he had sent someone. I guess that counted for something.

"Hello, Mr. Sack," the chauffeur said, nodding respectfully. "Your father asked me to take you directly home."

"Thank you," I replied dryly, climbing into the car.

As we drove away, I couldn't help but compare Amelia's warm welcome with my father's usual coldness. But on the other hand, I knew that Lindsay and her mother had given me something far more valuable: the feeling that, even though my own family didn't always understand my emotions, there were other people who did.