Some Other Time

by Angela Brown

To Ellie, buying a plane ticket is like purchasing a panic attack, then fastening herself into a gas-fueled bullet and self-electing to shoot herself high into the sky.

For a moment, they stand here, a parade of people walking past in every direction, and look at one another, the weight of the weekend ahead suddenly settling on their shoulders as uncomfortably as those backpack straps.

The sweat keeps on pouring, like an enthusiastic bartender.