Chapter 16
What was a clean plane is now reminiscent of a teenaged boy’s bedroom. The smell of stale Humans hovers over the floor. Shoes that were removed have drifted during the flight. Garbage has been collected, but more continues to be produced. We’re in a petri dish at 35,000 feet.
We land with a thud, a crescendo of engine noise and a palpable buzz among the Humans. “I told you it was a long flight,” European Travel says.
“What happens how?” I ask. I have so much to learn.
“Humans line up to get off the plane, then there’s a dash to Customs and the next flight. It’s basically an exercise in stress management.”
“Sounds awful.”
“It is,” he says.
“Then why do Humans travel?”
“I think it’s to appreciate home. But don’t tell anyone that, or I’ll be out of print.”
“Well, wherever
