After Linda packed her bags and hugged her family goodbye, tears slid down her cheeks in quiet streams. The farewell felt heavier than she had imagined. Her father's firm embrace, her mother's trembling hands, and her siblings clinging to her clothes all lingered in her heart as she made her way to the airport.
The airport buzzed with its usual rhythm—rolling suitcases, hurried footsteps, and voices overlapping at the counters. Linda adjusted her backpack and walked to the check-in desk. The airline staff scanned her document. the printer humming as her boarding pass slid out. Linda accepted it with a polite smile before heading toward the security checkpoint.
There, she slipped off her shoes and belt, laying them neatly in a plastic tray alongside her phone and laptop. Passing through the metal detector, she felt the curious gaze of the head security officer. He was a middle-age man with a kind face.
"Hi there, miss," he said with a voice warm voice. "Traveling alone today?" He asked.
Linda paused, slightly surprised at the question, then nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, I am."
"Well, that's brave," he said, handing her back her things after they have been cleared. "Where are you headed?"
"Seoul," Linda replied, a spark of excitement brightening her eyes.
The officer chuckled softly. "Seoul, ah! Beautiful city. You'll love it there." His gaze lingered for a second longer as he returned her boarding pass. "You're a very pretty young lady. Safe travels, alright?"
Color rose to Linda's cheeks at the unexpected compliment. She smiled shyly. Saying "Thank you, sir. I will."
Clearing security, she followed the signs to her gate. Rows of waiting passengers filled the terminal—families juggling kids, businessmen scrolling through emails, students with headphones. When boarding was called, Linda joined the line, heart thumping with a mix of nerves and anticipation.
In side the plant, the cabin was filled with quiet movement as passengers settled, bags stowed, and seatbelts clicked into place. Flight attendants moved around calmly, their voices steady as they guided everyone through safety instruction, a businessman muttered over his phone until he was reminded to switch it off, while whispers of prayers rose here and there.
The lights dimmed. Final checks passed down the aisle, and then the captain's voice rose overhead: "Cabin crew, prepare for takeoff."
With that, engines roared, the plane taxied forward, gathering speed until the pressure pinned Linda against her seat. The runway lights blurred, the world tremble and the plane lifted. The ground slipped away into glittering sparks below, as the plane flew into the sky.
Linda leaned back, steadying her breath as the plane climbed higher. The earth had already fallen far behind.
As the plane settle in the air, Linda's mind finally relaxed. That was when she notice the passengers next to her. A woman with tired look. she was nestling a baby in her arms.
"Hi, I'm Sara," the woman said, rocking the child gently. "And this is little Jack."
Linda's face lit up. "Jack? That's my brother's name too!"
Baby Jack cooed, his tiny hands waving toward Linda. She laughed softly, reaching out, " can I? " Linda asked, "oh yes" Sara said placing the baby in her arms. Linda cradled him instinctively, marveling at his soft skin and the warmth of his small body.
"So, where are you from?" Sara asked, watching the way Linda held the baby.
"Nigeria," Linda said proudly for the first time.
Sarah's brows rose in pleasant surprise. "Nigeria! That's wonderful. Why are you headed to Seoul?"
"I'm going there to study."
Sarah's smile grew warmer. "That's fantastic. What are you studying?"
"International business," Linda said, proudly.
"Perfect choice," Sara replied. "Seoul is an amazing place to learn about both business and culture."
Their conversation flowed easily. Jack soon drifted to sleep in Linda's arms, and Sara chuckled. "You're a natural with babies. Have you raised any before?" She asked curiousity.
Linda laughed, shaking her head. "No, not really but I love kids. I have younger siblings they're bundles of energy."
The flight attendants rolled carts down the aisle, offering drinks and snacks. Sara turned to Linda asking " water or tea?. Linda pointed to a bottle of water. She picked the bottle of water and hand it over to her.
"You know," Sara said after a while, her tone warm, "you're the most beautiful African woman I've ever met."
Linda blinked, caught off guard. A blush crept onto her face, and she lowered her gaze with a smile. "Thank you, Sarah. That's very sweet."
They continue to chat till hour passed. Linda's eyelids grew heavy. Despite trying to resist, sleep tugged her under. Jack was still nestled in her arms, so Sara carefully adjusted Linda's posture and draped a blanket over her shoulders.
When Linda woke much later, the cabin lights were dim, and her head felt light. Jack was still asleep against her, his tiny breaths soft. She blinked in surprise as Sarah greeted her with a smile.
"Hey, sleepyhead. Welcome back."
Linda chuckled, rubbing her eyes. "Thanks. I guess I really needed that nap."
Not long after she woke up, the cabin grew lively again as flight attendants announced preparations for landing. Linda's stomach fluttered. She was already at Seoul. She glanced out the window then back at Sara who was zipping her bag.
"Thanks again for the chat," Linda said sincerely. "It's been lovely meeting you and Jack."
Sarah smiled warmly. "Likewise, Linda study hard and good luck with your studies."
As the plane began its descent, Jack stirred, whimpering softly. Sarah took him gently from Linda, rocking him close. The seatbelt light blinked on, and the attendants' voices filled the cabin: "Please fasten your seatbelts as we prepare for landing."
Linda buckled up quickly, her gaze fixed on the shrinking horizon outside. The plane glided lower until the city's outlines sharpened beneath them.
Before they parted, Linda and Sarah exchanged numbers. "Let's keep in touch," Sarah said. "I'd love to hear about your adventures in Seoul."
"Definitely," Linda promised, saving the contact into her phone. "I'll keep you updated. Maybe we can even meet again."
"That would be great," Sara said, grinning. "Safe travels, Linda. I'm sure we'll talk soon."
The landing was smooth, and soon Linda was dragging her suitcase through the arrival hall. Outside, however, the reality of her new city set in. Passersby stole glances at her, whispering, their eyes lingering on her foreign features. She tried to ignore it, her father's address clutched in hand, but finding a taxi proved difficult.
Minutes turned into an hour. Her legs ached, and her stomach growled. The sky dimmed, heavy with clouds, until a sudden downpour crashed onto the streets. Rain plastered her clothes against her skin as she dashed under an awning, hugging her suitcase close.
When the rain eased, she stepped back out, still hopeful for a cab. Just then, two sleek cars roared past—a glossy Genesis G90 in front, followed closely by a shining Genesis G80. Their wheels sliced through a puddle, sending dirty water splashing across her legs as the driver stopped a few steps away from him.
Linda froze, soaked and furious. The exhaustion of travel, the hunger gnawing at her stomach, the endless waiting—it all boiled into a sharp burst of rage.
With a swift motion, she leapt forward, her foot connecting with the side mirror of the Genesis G90. The glass shattered, the mirror dangling uselessly.
The back door flung open, and out stepped a young man. He was striking, dressed in a crisp white shirt, designer jeans, and dark sunglasses. His expression was thunderous. From the car behind, two men in black suits emerged, their heavy footsteps closing in on her.
Linda stood her ground, chest heaving, water dripping from her hair.
"What the—?!" the young man shouted, his voice cutting through the air.