What Happened In Paradise?

First Visit: You Arrive Here

"We landed over an hour ago," Brian insists.

"That can't be right. You're mixing up time zones," Jess adds.

"No, mom. I know how to use a watch."

Stephanie quiets Brian with a touch on the arm. "We'll wait a few more minutes. At least it's cooler here."

It is cool here. Maxwell is wrapped in a draft that intensifies whenever the doors open for someone to exit. The air is crisp and light, lifting his sweat.

Just then, the carousel comes to life, carrying a series of luggage. It's easy to identify the group's luggage because they're the only ones on the carousel. Brian rushes over and starts pulling the suitcases off and sliding one over to Maxwell. "Are you just going to stand there?"

"Where are the others?" Maxwell asks.

"Gone. As I said, I've been waiting over an hour."

Maxwell thinks back to the walk through the airport. He can't remember seeing anyone else from their flight after the group de-planed and went through immigration. It really can't be an hour since Brian has been standing here. Maxwell goes over to help him, taking up a suitcase he assumes to be Stephanie's. Brian grabs it.

"That one is mine." He smiles, shifts his body to stand directly in front of Maxwell, and partially pulls open a zipper. "Can't have her seeing this yet." Brian smiles again.

Maxwell's throat tightens and his body grows cold in the new air. He should have expected what he's seen, should have predicted it. A part of him has always known this would be the culmination of their story, but as long as there wasn't a marriage, he had a chance. Now there will be a ring, and he's lost his opportunity to tell Stephanie how he feels.