The plane touched down at La Chinita International Airport in Maracaibo, Venezuela, with a jolt that rattled David’s bones. The humid air hit him the moment the doors opened, thick and heavy like a wet blanket. He stepped off the plane, blending into the crowd of tourists and locals, his carry-on bag slung over his shoulder. He had with him no checked luggage, just what he needed for a quick in-and-out. Or so he hoped.
Customs was a hassle. The officer behind the counter: balding, bored, flipped through his passport, eyes narrowing at the American stamp. David kept his face neutral, answering questions in broken Spanish mixed with English. “Business,” he said. “Short trip.”
The officer stamped the passport and waved him through. David exhaled slowly as he walked away. Inside his head, th
