"Sorry. Helloooooo, gorgeous. How was your flight?"
"Ah, that's more like it, and it was wonderful. I slept the whole way."
"You did?" His voice echoed concern.
"Yes. I think we have a solution to my nightmares."
"Really? What?"
"Music."
"Huh?"
"I fell asleep listening to the playlist you made… thank you, by the way… and woke up when we landed."
"Wow. Are you sure it was the music?"
"No, but I plan to keep the player charged and use it whenever I sleep. I'll know for sure soon."
"I'll keep my fingers crossed."
"Have to go, my family will be waiting. I wanted to share that with you."
"Call tonight?"
"There's no service where I'm going. I'm afraid we'll be out of contact until I'm on my way home."
Unease hung in the silence. Elisabeth stopped and leaned against the wall. "I'm coming back to you soon, you believe that, don't you?"
"Not soon enough."
"Tell me you believe me."
"I believe you."
"Mean it."
"I do mean it. That doesn't make this any easier."
"I love you."
"Love you, too."
She closed her eyes and willed the melancholy away before continuing to baggage claim, and to meet her family.