Airport — 10:00 PM
The airport corridor buzzed softly with announcements and the hum of wheels dragging over marble floors.
Miles walked through it calmly, his coat draped over one arm, the city lights from outside glinting off his silver cufflinks.
His phone vibrated. The caller ID made him smile.
He answered, voice soft, "Hey mom."
Elena's warm tone came through, gentle even with the faint static. "Where are you, son?"
Miles stepped aside as a few travelers passed. "Mom, I'm at the airport. I'll reach Star Harbor in the morning."
"Oh, good to know," Elena said with a sigh of relief. "I thought you were busy again."
Miles chuckled. "Mom, I already promised you I'll be there by Sunday."
"Alright, alright," she said with that motherly tone that carried both pride and worry. "Have you eaten?"
"Yes, I have eaten."
"Good. Come back soon, okay?"
"Alright, mom," Miles said softly.
The call ended, and for a moment he stood there—just smiling faintly to himself.
