It was bright when I stepped outside, something I have always hated. Dressed in a pair of plaid raggedy pajama pants and a oversized graphic t shirt with some kind of incomprehensible design on the front; I walked down the few steps from my porch to the pavement walkway. I bent down and retrieved the newspaper that lay on the ground. Quickly I hurried back inside the house to get away from the pestering sun and overly friends neighbors.

I gently grabbed the steaming hot cup of coffee from the kitchen counter as I pass, and make my way to the big gray chair in the corner of the living room. My coffee sat close by as I flipped through the black and white pages. I tried to go about my daily routine as usual but the nerves of the day ahead of me wouldn't let my mind stay focused. When I noticed my incessant foot tapping I got to my feet and started towards the bathroom, taking big sips of coffee along the way.

I hurried back to my bedroom after the steaming shower. The apartment was always so cold in comparison to the warm cocoon of water. I dropped the towel and applied lotion hurriedly followed by dressing in a pair of black jeans and a gray long sleeve t shirt. I patted my hair dry gently with the towel as well as I could followed by some hair product. While I let my hair completely dry, I moisturized my face and followed it up with a light makeup look.

When I finally felt ready I peeked into my office to check the little round clock on the wall. Thirty minutes until I have to leave for the flight. I felt my anxiety heighten as I realized it was time to finish packing up and prepare to leave. I put the last few essentials into the worn out black duffle bag, old tags still attached from previous trips Declan had taken me on.

With my bags tucked safely in the car I did one last sweep of my place, afraid there was something I had forgotten. After a quick check of the wristwatch I finally convinced myself that I had everything packed and stepped out of the apartment, securing the lock behind me. I drove to the airport with my favorite podcast flowing through the speakers. An iced coffee sat in the cup holder beside me, I had to pace myself though or I would be making many  restroom pit stops.

Finally making it to the big bustling airport I followed the signs to the parking lot. Everyone says not to leave your car and just get dropped off but I always prefer to drive myself. After parking and getting out with bags in hand I headed into the airport. I went through the familiar boring routine of checking in and eventually, plopped down in an uncomfortable plastic chair. The flight should be boarding any minute. Soon I would be on my way to a different country in search of my older brother. It felt as if I was the only one putting in any effort. Nobody else believes that he is actually missing but I know better.

"Flight 411 to Italy now boarding" A women's voice announced through the speakers.

I stood up from my seat and smoothed down my outfit. It's time to go. I fell in line behind a few other passengers and waited my turn to get my ticket scanned and head onto the aircraft. I boarded and glanced at my ticket again to confirm my seat placement. People were in the aisle shoving their luggage into overhead bins or down by their feet. When it was finally clear I shuffled to my seat and sat down. An aisle seat so most likely I'll have to move when others climb on board. I patted my thighs impatiently, not wanting to get too comfortable yet. More people filed in and a middle aged women stopped by me, her eyes flicking down to the ticket in her hand. With a polite smile she spoke to me.

"Excuse me, I think i've got that window seat" she gestured to it.

I smiled back and got to my feet, making room for her to squeeze by. We both sat down and she rummaged through her bag on her lap. Finally I realize they closed the doors and we were getting ready to take off. Nobody was sitting in the middle. More room for me and my row companion.

A skinny read headed flight attended lectured over the intercom and I finally began settling in my seat. It wasn't too long before we were taking off. I watched the airport shrink away into the fading distance as we headed up into the sky through the cloud.

I'm coming for you Declan.