The flight

The airplane was small, with just enough space for 40 passengers. Most of them were already in their seats, but a few stragglers still made their way down the narrow aisle. It was a routine flight, the kind of thing that happened every day without much fanfare. But for Melissa, it was anything but routine.

She'd never been on a plane before. The very idea of flying terrified her. Her heart raced as she sat in her seat, her hands shaking slightly. She looked out the window, trying to steady her nerves.

"Excuse me."

Melissa looked up to see a man standing in front of her seat. He was tall and thin, with a mop of unruly hair and a friendly smile.

"Can I help you with your bag?" he asked.

Melissa nodded mutely, grateful for the offer. The man stowed her bag in the overhead compartment, then took the seat next to hers.

"I'm Mike," he said, holding out his hand.

"Melissa," she replied, shaking it.

They chatted for a few minutes, with Mike trying to put Melissa at ease. He was a frequent flyer, he said, and had been on dozens of flights. He told her about the safety procedures, the turbulence, and the different kinds of planes. Melissa listened intently, trying to absorb as much information as she could.

The plane taxied down the runway, picking up speed. Melissa clutched the armrests, her eyes closed. She felt the plane lift off the ground, and her stomach lurched.

But then something strange happened. As the plane ascended, Melissa felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. The world below shrank to a miniature version of itself, and the clouds outside her window seemed to glow with an otherworldly light.

Mike noticed the change in her demeanor. "Feeling better?" he asked.

Melissa nodded, amazed at how quickly her fear had dissipated. She looked around the plane, taking in the other passengers. They were a diverse group, from all walks of life. Some were reading books, others were napping, and a few were chatting quietly.

As the flight progressed, Melissa found herself relaxing more and more. She struck up a conversation with a woman across the aisle, and they talked about their jobs, their families, and their hobbies. Melissa felt a sense of connection with this stranger, as if they were old friends catching up after a long absence.

The flight attendants came down the aisle, offering drinks and snacks. Melissa ordered a soda and a bag of peanuts, and felt a pang of nostalgia as she tore open the packet. It was the same snack her grandmother used to give her on long car trips.

The plane hit a patch of turbulence, and Melissa braced herself. But instead of fear, she felt a sense of exhilaration. The jostling of the plane, the sudden drops and lurches, were like a rollercoaster ride. She felt alive in a way she never had before.

Mike leaned over. "You're a natural flyer," he said.

Melissa smiled, feeling a sense of pride. She was conquering her fear, one mile at a time.

The plane began its descent, and Melissa felt a pang of disappointment. She didn't want the flight to end. She wanted to stay in this magical world, where anything was possible and she was free from the constraints of her everyday life.

But then the wheels hit the runway, and the plane slowed to a stop. Melissa gathered her bag and made her way down the aisle, feeling a sense of gratitude for this experience.