Prose                                       
Bob's Big Adventure

  Just after settling down into his window seat, Bob took out two sleeping pills. He swallowed them without water and relaxed back into his seat. Just then, a beautiful woman sat down in the seat next to him. She had red hair, and a charming youngish looking face. She must have been in her late forties but in spite of a few wrinkles here and there she looked at least ten years younger.

  Uncharacteristic feelings began spreading over Bob. To his surprise, he realized that he actually wanted to talk to her. He tried to think of a way to start a conversation with her. None of the pick-up lines he had seen on TV would work. They were all vulgar and sleazy. Besides, at his age they were completely inappropriate. Why did it even matter? A woman like this was definitely married. That was obvious. Bob began scratching the back of his right hand. He always scratched his hand when he was really nervous.

  Luckily for him, the woman talked first. Her opener came out so simply that it hadn’t even occurred to Bob. She said plainly, “Hi. My name’s Sara.”

  Bob tried to act casual. “Hello. I’m Bob. Why are you going to Zurich?” And so they talked about their reasons for going to Zurich. The conversation shifted and Bob found himself talking about his hometown. The woman had some sort of power over Bob. Information that he never shared began pouring out his mouth. He talked about how he didn’t like people, about the children when he was growing up, and about how mean he usually was. Strangely, she really seemed to understand.

  She understood! Bob couldn’t believe it. This was the first time that anyone had ever understood. He was trying to figure out a tactful way to ask her if she was married when Sara continued. “So how could anyone make fun of a cute guy like you?” she asked playfully.

  Something went off in Bob’s brain. A woman had never talked like this to him in his entire life and now he was next this beautiful woman for ten hours. Regretfully, he began to notice himself getting drowsy from the sleeping pill. He struggled to keep his composure.

  Bob knew he had to do something. He had to say something to this amazing woman to find out if she was really interested and it wasn’t just his foolish wishes. The blunt approach seemed to be the best choice. Bob replied, “Well, I’m not really sure. Hey, um... listen. I know this is kind of forward but, um... are you married?”

  Sara’s face flushed a bright red. “Oh, geez, I didn’t... I mean, I don’t... uh... yes, I’m married. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to lead you on.” Bob was crushed.

  In characteristic fashion, he yelled at her. “You’ve got a lot of nerve, you know that? You’ve got no right leading me on like that! And married the whole time! This is why I hate people and people hate me! This is exactly why I just want to be left alone!”