TPA to ORD

Ray unfolds the baggage label, folds it again and stares out the window, just as the seatbelt sign flashes on. He’d never taken his off. The pilot has just announced that they will be landing in 25 minutes - they have been lucky enough to find a slot and will only have to circle once. For some reason, this displeases Ray.

He unfolds it again, worrying the edges. He hears a disgruntled noise next to him. When he turns his head, the passenger looks at him pointedly, then glares down at Ray’s lap. Ray looks too; all he can see are his hands, folding the label furiously. The man sitting by him clears his throat noisily.

“Please?” He looks at Ray’s legs again, at the knees moving up and down like he’s running on the spot. “You’ve been doing that since we took off. To put it simply. It’s annoying.”

Ray blinks. He looks up to the man’s face and swallows roughly. “Uh, sorry. I didn’t realize. I’ll stop.” He lowers his head, forcing his knees to still.

The man nods and faces forwards. When Ray doesn’t move at all, he glances back, narrowing his eyes. He leans towards Ray. “Nervous flyer?”

( TPA to ORD )