"Turbulence" by Desiree Kendrick—Our September 2022 Gold Medal Winner

Desiree Kendrick is our first place winner from the contest posted in our September 2022 issue and her story will be published in the December 2022 edition. Congratulations, Desiree!

What the judges had to say:

“The story arc and narrative move at the perfect pace. The reader, alike to Todd, is held captive through the very end.”

“Striking a nerve regarding what goes on in the minds and lives of passengers and pilots alike, this story managed to carry us into the finer details and challenges that humans confront in their day-to-day existence. A welcome twist to the tale was deftly manipulated to carry readers toward a satisfying end. ”

“Strong characterization and realism are key elements of this story... vivid details and sensory imagery are strengths of the narrative as well.”

Meet Desiree

Desiree’s writing has been published in literary magazines in Canada, the US, and the UK. A list of her publication credits can be found on her website at www.desireekendrick.com/published-work. She loves to travel (except in a pandemic). She always jots in her travel journal, where you will find more than one humourous tale recorded in old-fashioned ink.

Turbulence

an excerpt of Desiree’s winning story

Captain Todd McClosky stared out the cabin window. At thirty-five-thousand feet, the clouds stretched like cotton candy. Suspended high above ground, the endless blue and blurred lines suggested tranquility. The airplane hum implied calm. Todd grunted. What a joke.

He gripped his armrest tightly and his knuckles turned white. Two hours ago, he’d slumped in the pilot’s chair eager to buckle up and depart Winnipeg for Vegas. Escape. A routine route and yet nothing was normal.

On his way to the airport his cell had rang. He rarely answered when he didn’t recognize the number. But given the fog that morning, he was worried one of the crew was delayed.

“You don’t know me but I know you,” a female said. “My friend is too upset to call you directly. Don’t hang up. Just pay attention.”

He’d listened. With every sentence his pulse raced faster. Key words stuck to his cranium like syrup. ‘Emergency – selfishness – compensation.’ His mouth went dry. Stale coffee and regret left a bitter taste. By the time he’d pulled into the airport parking lot his dress shirt was soaked in sweat. He swapped shirts before departure but he couldn’t shake his uneasiness. His co-pilot rambled. Todd didn’t hear a word. He operated as if on auto-pilot, taxied off the runway, eager to leave his messy life behind on the tarmac. His friends generally described him as organized and diligent. He paid his taxes early. He never ran out of gas. Todd was the one who reminded others of upcoming birthdays and anniversaries. Everyone saw trust and dependability embroidered on his uniform sleeve.

“Any plans for when we land?” asked his co-pilot. He was young compared to Todd’s forty-two years. They both sported beards but Todd’s was distinctly grey.

“I plan on sleeping,” replied Todd. “Too many late nights with the schedule and my youngest is teething.”

“Old man, you got to get out more. I’ve got a date at the Bellagio. She’s a card dealer who rides a motorcycle. That girl’s adventurous. She’s bringing me a helmet. Safety first.” He laughed.

Todd winced. He was such an idiot. Stupid-stupid-stupid! He’d rolled the dice. He kept hearing the woman on the phone. ‘She’s been trying to conceive for years with her husband. This is her one chance to be a mother.”

He’d assumed she was single. One careless, carefree, error in judgment and now he was paying the price. He tugged on his tie. It felt like a noose, choking the air out of him. One sin had sent him to hell.

…

to read the rest of the story, order your copy of the December 2022 issue.