Caleb
//

"I think this will be good for you," Al tells me as I throw the remaining items into my bag, "I think this is a good thing."

"How is anything good right now? Please tell me how anything could possibly seem good to you." I respond, anger in my voice.

"You need to see the silver lining. I promise there will be one."

"Really? Because all I see right now is that my girlfriend has cheated on me, my parents are getting a divorce, my sister is in the hospital, and my parents are forcing me to go to another state to clear my mind and be 'inspired'." I say, my voice becoming gradually louder throughout.

Al never flinches.

"Silver lining, bro." he tells me and tosses a hoodie in my direction.

"Silver lining," I mumble.

//

The more I think about this damned trip the more I think that Al is wrong.

If I leave for a month I will be of no help to anyone at home who needs it.

How am I supposed to fix things between Grace and I? How am I supposed to try and mend my parents' relationship? How will I be there for Julie? How will I help if I am in another state.

There is no silver lining.

There is only hurt.

There is only broken hearts.

Or maybe that is the stench of the guy next to me talking.

Maybe it is just the fact that his shirt is drenched in so much sweat that it is making my brain fuzzy.

Because this plane couldn't possibly get any hotter. Or any smellier. Seriously.

I just can't wait to get off this stupid ride.

//