Writing Adventures

Flash Fiction: Flight 1043

16th April, 2010 - No Comments

Dear Mom,

It won’t be long now. My assignment is almost over. I’ll be home before you know it. They guys are all talking about how they are going to spend their vacations. Most of them have girlfriends and some have wives they are eager to see. I can hardly wait to see you and Dad. Will Robbie be home from college by then? I’ve picked up some fossils he might like to add to his collection.

It’s actually been a good trip, Mom. The weather has been gorgeous, hardly any rain at all. The people are all very kind and happy to see us. It’s been so long since any of them have seen a doctor. They are grateful for things as simple as aspirin and vitamins. We’ve done so much good here that it really is a shame we have to leave. But the people don’t begrudge our leaving. In fact, the children have made us necklaces of shell and stone. The elders have given us small pouches of native herbs that our guide tells us signify good health and safe travel. They are usually given to tribe members who are going on a long journey. They have so little, but they share everything with us. It is such a wonderful community, Mom.

It’s getting dark and our farewell celebration is beginning. I have to go now, but I may be home before this letter even reaches you. If not, give my love to everyone and I’ll see you soon.

Love,

Jimmy

“You have one new message.” Beep. “Mr. and Mrs. Samsen, we regret to inform you that flight 1043 was lost in the Atlantic due to unforeseen weather conditions. Your son, James Samsen was on board. We are very sorry for your loss.”

Mrs. Samsen could only stare in horror at the answering machine, her son’s last letter in her hand. It couldn’t be real.

“Honey, I just heard the strangest thing on the radio.” Mr. Samsen came in from the garage. “A plane went down in the Atlantic, ran into a tropical storm or something. What was Jimmy’s flight number?”

Mrs. Samsen pressed the replay button on the machine, unable to speak.

“You have one old message.” Beep.