The plane jolts.
Light turbulence.
Normal.
The captain’s voice crackles overhead.
“Nothing to worry about, sir. Some weather systems ahead, but we’ll adjust course.”
I barely register it.
I’m replaying her laugh in my head.
The way she said she missed me without thinking.
The way she looked at me in that bathroom.
The way she froze when I claimed her.
The plane jolts harder.
This time I look up.
The windows are dark now.
Clouds thick. Rain streaking sideways.
That’s not skirting.
That’s in it.
Another jolt. Sharper.
My headphones slide off one ear.
The captain again, voice tighter now.
“Uh, Mr. Mars, we’re encountering unexpected system movement. We’re adjusting altitude.”
The cabin lights flicker.
Warning chime.
Seatbelt sign glows brighter.
I sit up straighter.
Okay. Not ideal.
But fine.
Private jets hit weather all the time.
We’re good.
Another drop.
Not a shake.