Priyadarshini Manay

Above, Across and Beyond

The air turbulence rocked Diana awake. She had been emotionally devastated by the events that had unfolded over the past year but more so recently. Granny had passed away in her sleep. At 92, it hadn’t been entirely unexpected but coming as it at the end of the most terrible year in Diana’s life, it had deeply impacted her. Only a month ago granny had spoken to Diana trying to give her hope and courage to move on despite her loss. Diana felt less depressed but even granny could not make everything right. The death of her baby had broken Diana’s marriage apart. Her grief had driven a wedge between Steven and her, one that kept getting bigger. Perhaps their relationship had never been strong enough in the first place. The turbulence soon settled but Diana found it difficult to go back to sleep. She still had five hours to kill on this transatlantic flight. She asked the purser for a drink of water then settled back with her blanket to read the little black book granny had left to her. There had also been an accompanying letter explaining her modest bequeathment. She had also made a request.