“Where are we going and where do we come from? Why do we ask ourselves that question? “
I turned to the person next to me. His hazy eyes were patiently waiting for any response. When he was certain that he had my attention, he smiled, hardly but enough to convince me of his kindness. He went on.
“Did you know that this bar has been here since the opening of this airport? I know it because I was there forty years ago and I’ve been coming here ever since.”
I didn’t doubt him for a second whilst still adjusting to his appearance and noticing just how worn his face was. And how the years had devoured to the bone the hand that he raised his glass with.” Here’s to good health”. I raised my glass with him.
”So, what brings you to this airport then, holiday, business, trouble with the misses?”
“I’m here for business but, now, I’m waiting for a flight to go see my family back home.”
The old man sighs at a passing plane.
“Ahh home, I used to have such a home too, when I was still married. But that was a long time ago. Now, the only home I know is this airport.”
The tone at which he said it really made me feel sorry for him.
“Son, don’t look at me like I’m some sort of bum; I still own the house you know. It’s just not the same as it used to be. It’s a dead place. That’s why I love coming here to the airport; It’s lively, always swarming with people.”
He pointed at the entrance for arrivals. There was a man, I would guess about my age, waiting with a big bouquet of flowers. The next minute, a woman appeared in the doorway who, when she saw him, came rushing towards him. He lift her up ,almost dropping the bouquet, and kissed her.
“I see couples like that every day, couples happily embracing each other again after days, weeks, months, who knows. But when I see them that’s no longer relevant to them. Because they are together again.”
“Do you miss your wife when you see them?”
This was only the second time I spoke back to the man and he seemed a bit puzzled. It must have been a long time since anyone had shown any real interest in him. Until now I hadn’t figured just how lonely he must be. Did he have any friends or family? And if so, would they still come and visit?
“I even miss my wife when I don’t see them. Even after all these years I could not forget she was beautiful woman.”
He smiled. I couldn’t help but smile back.
“You know, when I sit here, I see just as many other couples saying goodbye. They give each other long hugs and kisses, sometimes they cry. And after that, they would both wave at each other, until one of them is completely out of sight. Some would have to miss each other for a few days, some for weeks, and others for months.
But one day, they will understand; When people die they are gone forever. And sometimes you don’t even get a chance to say goodbye.”