bomb

I had seen the straps on him, Was that a bomb? If it is, maybe I should talk to him, make him feel less required to kill us all.

I had started sweating profusely. But nonetheless, I walked up to him. "Hey, this seat taken?" I gestured to the seat next to him. He shook his head, not smiling. "Feel free"

His voice was deep and gruff. Not similar to his thin lanky build. He had curly black hair, the kind that makes you wonder if maybe you're doing something wrong with your hair. It looked like it would flow gracefully in the wind. His eyes were a clear, but deep blue. Like an ocean that's been heavily disturbed but still blue.

I sat down next to him. "So uh, How are you?" He looked at me, his face looking with a mix of annoyance, and confusion. "I'm fine," He said, dejectedly before looking forward again. I noticed what he was feeling. He didn't trust me, he thought I wanted something from him. I mean, I did. But that thing was to not get fucking blown up!

"well, where you heading then?" He looked at me surprised. "Why are you talking to me?" I shrugged, I could do well under pressure. "eh, you seem lonely so I thought I might just talk to you for a little bit. Is that a problem with you?" I said in the kindest voice that I possibly could.

"No no, it's not a problem, I just. I don't know, I guess no one talks to me anymore unless they want something from me." I felt a wave of empathy wash over me, I too had been in that spot once. "Well I know how you can fix that"

He immediately asked how. "Well, these people notice that you do pretty much anything for anyone. right?" He nodded, a look of guilt on his face. "Now, that isn't really a bad thing, but if you always say yes, yes, yes. They will continue to use and manipulate you. Try saying no for once."

He nodded in understanding "Alright then. I will take that into consideration." I nodded, the anxiety still bubbling in my chest. "so uh, What are you going to do in Florida?" He sighed, "Well originally I wasn't going to get to Florida." "oh, may I ask why?" I felt myself burning up from the inside.

I didn't want to have a panic attack, But I was scared, and panicked. "well, I sorta have a bomb strapped to me." My heart stopped, I had been hoping I was imagining shit, but I wasn't, I wasn't wrong. "What?" I couldn't help but ask, my brain wasn't operating anymore, my brain was foggy with fear, and panic.

"I do, I have a bomb strapped to my chest. This is the button for it." He showed me a locked box, so it couldn't be an accident if it was pushed. "why?" I asked. "same thing I said earlier, about people." I understood what he meant, he felt alone. If I told anyone about the bomb, It would probably go off.

"ok then" I knew I was probably sounding just, uninterested. When in reality I felt like I couldn't breathe, I tried to take a couple deep breaths. But then I was worried about breathing too loud or something. What makes him upset? I knew nothing about him, what if he hates silence?

I tried to say something but I couldn't, I watched as he fiddled with the box. Immediately my mouth went dry. "so, uh, can I go get some water?" He looked at me, suspiciously I felt scared and vulnerable, I felt as if I had no hope left, as if I was going to die. "Sure, but ima keep my eye on you."

I could tell that was a threat, and I knew the color in my face disappeared. I slowly stood up and went to the flight attendant. "Could I get some water?" I blinked quickly, hoping she would get my message. "Sure, come with me."

I followed her, "Someone has a bomb strapped to them. But if we attack him right now, he will just press the button. I think he unlocked the box right now, but I also would really like some water."

She gave me some water, "Alright, here's the plan, when you know it's safe, say... blue bunny, ok? I will handle the rest, let me go talk to the security officers." I nod, "I have to go back now." She waved me off, already walking to the officers.

I walked back into the main area with a bottle of water in my hand, and I sat down. "Hey, sorry, but I was thirsty." I noticed his thumb on the button, he had unlocked it while I was gone. "Woah, hey I didn't tell anyone, you can lock that back up."

He shook his head, saying no. I felt scared once more. Until he handed it to me, "You lock it instead." I shut it and yelled the code word "Blue bunnies!" Before I knew it everyone was clapping. Even the one with the bomb.

I looked around, everyone was clapping. Then it finally clicked, these people were a part of the police department I was going to, they pranked me, and I slowly noticed that I was sitting in the only seat I could have.

"Wait a second!" Everyone stopped clapping, "Did you all prank me? Cuz I saw the bomb before I even sat down. They all froze, except the one with the bomb, he kept clapping slowly. Then before I knew it someone lunged at him, restraining him.

I suppose he wasn't supposed to have an actual bomb vest, and I guess I really was holding the only switch. Eventually, we landed, and everyone was shaken, especially me. I was so glad to be back on the ground. Away from that box of death.

We could have died that day, and in any other circumstance, we would have.