Time Stops For No One

00:05.13

They pushed their auburn curls out of their face in a swift movement that enhanced the reflection of the glistening rays. Their smile so big that you could feel their warmth radiate off of them. They're song reaches my ears.

00:04.41

Underneath the shade of a massive maple they have found shelter from the sweltering summer heat. Out of breath but still singing. Still happy.

00:03.24

A spot behind the maple darkens as another shadow overlays. The shadow moves from behind the maple taking the shape of a domineering figure. The air is thick.

00:02.52

They closed their eyes and their auburn locks hang from their face. Their breathing is labored. The smile is gone and a look of anguish dominants their face.

00:01.35

A scream cuts through the density. They glance up. The figure moves forward more and kneels down. It places a hand on their shoulder, as if to comfort their pain.

00:00.09

We meet eyes. Their warmth can still be felt through their pain. They reach out their hand, and no sooner does it fall. It looks at me. Just looks at me.

00:00.00

They're on the ground. The figure is gone. Someone comes running. Tears running free. I feel arms wrap around me and yank me from the spot.

There is a warm grasp on my shoulder, and as my eyes focus I notice a hand. I gaze upward, and recognize the stewardess who has been taking care of me this flight. Her mouth is moving but I cannot quite make out the sound. I shake my head causing my blackened strands to fall in my eyes. "Are you alright?" She asks with concerned eyes.

I wipe my eyes and sweep away the loose hairs. My movements cause something to fall to the floor. The stewardess quickly kneels to reach the object on the floor. "You didn't have to do that. Thank you though, and...uh...yeah I'm okay." I answer as I try to divert my gaze.

22:13.05

I sigh loudly as she hands me the object that fell to the floor. I see her fidgeting with her hands and I can feel her staring at me. I just stare at the black leather bound book that is once again on my lap. She won't leave till I look at her and give her a more clear sign that I am okay. I finally look up. I give into a bad habit and instead of looking her in the eyes, I gaze above her head.

42:11:27:22:09.09

A wave of relief comes over me. I feel like I can breathe again. No matter how many times this happens I still have never gotten used to this. "I assure you that I am fine. Thank you so much for your assistance and concern." I assure her with a smile.

That seemed to be enough for her and she proceeded back down the aisle. I turned my attention back down to my book. The cover was crisp despite its age. There were slight grooves indented into the leather as if to mimic a snake's skin. I turn open to the front page for the 9th time today. "Beldaire Marie Sinwinz" I trace the letters as I whisper her name as if I was trying to summon her in this instant.

I knew better though. She couldn't be summoned. She was gone, and I was on my way to her estate to find out why she sent me this book of all things. I began flipping through the pages once more. A sticky note laid stuck out of a random blank page, and all it said was "Come Home".

There was no further explanation. I just had received this book two days ago and approximately $25,000 for "travel expenses" as it was explained by the lawyer. I shook off my confusion and continued to inspect the book.

There was a mixture of names, numbers, and random phrases. The things that stood out to me the most though was that so many entries were scratched out violently with ink. There was even one page where drops of blood could be seen. On another there were small crinkled circles indicating tears that have long since dried. It honestly looked like the journal of a mad woman, which was strange since the woman had all of her wits. I continued to scan the pages nothing sticking out and making sense. Suddenly, "Attendants and passengers please prepare for landing", was heard over the intercom system.

Soon I would hopefully have my answers. What was the meaning of this book?