Airport

A Story by Howard Lau

What an airport means to me, the sentimental view on seeing a travelling commonplace

"Oh long time no see!"
"Goodbye, love you, stay well!"
"Where is my son? WHERE IS HE?!"

Airport, to many it's just like a train station, planes come and go at a set schedule, people scuttling around like ants minding their own business.

But have you ever just stood there and thought, "So what exactly does an airport mean to us?"

To some it marks the beginning of a journey, leaving the comfort of their own home, own bed, own parents for the first time to some faraway land in hopes of becoming something, someone that they will be proud of one day.

To some it marks the beginning of a long day, pilots in their uniforms trundling along with their smart black suitcases rolling behind them as they prepare with quiet efficiency for their next batch of passengers.

To some it marks the reunion of old friends, or family members. In the arrivals lounge on any public holiday, Christmas for instance. We are expat students coming back from wherever they come from to see family and friends that they haven't seen for long.
Some men and women fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice for family, friends, brothers and freedom. And the airport is where they see their family for the first time in 3 months, or the last time as they are off to regroup in another place where fallen warriors go. Or simply to rest in peace on the safety of their own soil, welcome back soldier!

To some it marks the end of a long term friendship, it's when all those moments of flirting, teasing and silly fights come back to a final hug, or maybe a kiss on the cheek. Hoping to see each other again, most likely in an airport.

So what is an airport to me?

An airport to me is a metaphor of life, it marks the beginning of an adventure, and end of love and friendship. It is where old friends, or lovers reunite again, to start the cycle of beginning and ending.

So to that special someone, that someone who is leaving me today. You're in a cycle, so we will meet again one day. God knows. But like a wave out on the ocean I will come right back to you, at the airport, where it all began for you.... For us.... Goodbye.