Have you ever thought about how small the world really is?
We think it's big…
That the people we see today, where will they be tomorrow?
The mistakes we make in front of them today, will they even remember tomorrow?
Right? No… it's wrong.
The world is small. Very, very small.
For someone I never wanted to meet… fate twists life in ways you can't imagine.
And somehow, it makes you meet that person in the place you never wanted to be.
Yes… the world is small.
Music play ---- When I feel the storm get away with it… lalalalalala
Aira… Aira… Aira…
"Yes, Mom?"
"Aira, take your headphones off first!"
"Ughhh… fine, done. Now what?"
"The flight attendant's been trying to get your attention."
I turned to my side, pulling one earbud out completely.
A flight attendant stood beside my seat — her polite smile hiding exhaustion.
There was hesitation in her eyes, the kind that comes from repeating the same thing a hundred times.
Maybe she'd been calling me for a while.
And, as usual, I was lost in my own world —
music blaring, thoughts drifting far away from reality.
"Sorry," Imuttered, forcing a small smile.
"I didn't even notice."
The flight attendant forced a smile.
"Mam, do you want something for lunch?"
I smiled too. "Ahhh, just give me a sandwich. I'm okay with it."
She genuinely smiled, handed me the sandwich, and moved behind me to attend to other passengers.
"Hey, Aira! See, I got candies. You want some?"
"No, Noah. I don't want it."
Noah's eyes drooped a little. "Okay…"
Noah, my little sister — she's ten — has always lived like a boy. I don't even know when she started growing into a teenager. She's still a tomboy, but… she's cute. I sighed.
"Here, give me one. Don't be sad."
Noah's face brightened as she handed me a candy.
"Big sista , here's your candy."
I took it, unwrapped it, and popped it into my mouth.
"It's tasty, Noah."
Noah beamed. "See? I told you it's good!"
I smiled and noticed my mom watching us, smiling too.
"What's happening, Mom? I know I look childish."
She shook her head softly. "No, honey. You're caring for your sister so well."
"Yes, Mom. I want to care for her…"
"Noah -: Mommy."
"Yes, sweetie," my mom replied, still smiling.
Noah frowned. "Mommy, my friend says stepdads aren't good… so what if our stepdad isn't good?"
My mom's smile softened, understanding but not sad. "Sweetie… that's not true. Not all men are the same. Your stepdad is good."
I added quickly, "And Noah, if you don't like him, I'll take you away with me, okay?"
Noah's smile returned. "Mom, you also come, okay? We'll also punish him!"
My mom laughed softly. "Yes, sweetie. We will." She hugged Noah, and I turned my gaze outside the window.
Everywhere I looked, it was green… endless greenery.
But I didn't know where exactly we were going. It was what Mom wanted, what I wanted… but what if he turns out to be like Dad? What if Noah ends up facing the same situation I once did?
( I swallowed hard, whispering silently, please, fate… don't twist things this time. Let me not regret it).