The sound of heels clicking, the wheels of a trolley squeaking, a whiff of floral perfume, and

The ride home was more than bumpy. CRASH! BOOM! Were some of the sounds heard on the ride back to the islands. The family looked out of the window, lightning, rain, and thunder covered over the Pacific Ocean. BOOM! The plane shook but only slightly. BOOM! The plane shook more intensely. BOOM! The shake of the plane is abnormal now and getting worse. You know when your brother plays with the light switch trying to find the space between on and off, but instead leaves the light flickering continuously? That is exactly how outside the plane looked. Lightning struck the choppy waves. Rumbling left the Credos on the plane shaking and struggling to stay on board. Malikai regrets his decision to not put his seatbelt on when he flies 6 feet forward near the cockpit.

His eyes fluttered closed, and a small smile spread across his face as he raised each of his fingers from the column, his balance wavering with the rush of the wind. His heart pounded harder and more fervent, his body aware of the danger, locking up, fear riling through him – such blissful fear that it made him feel suddenly alive.

As I scanned my boarding pass and walked down the tunnel hallway that led to the airplane, my heart began to beat a little faster in my chest and my hands got clammy. I had never been outside of the country before! After boarding the airplane, I sat down in my seat next to my dad, so ecstatic to finally be on my way to Peru for my first mission trip! With the seat belt fastened snugly across my hips and the cool air from the vents comfortably blowing on my face, I peered out the window as the plane took off, my excitement growing as we rose up past the clouds into the clear blue sky. Although it felt like any other normal flight, somehow I knew this one would be different.

I woke up from my nap when I felt a light tap on my shoulder by my brother, Alex. He told me that it was time for the plane to begin its descent so I gathered my belongings and adjusted my seat until it was upright. As the airplane began to descend, I was filled with excitement and enthusiasm. I could feel so much energy rush through my veins as my ears popped and I finally heard the flight attendant say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Singapore Changi Airport!”

After waiting in the airport for an hour, we boarded the plane. I peered out the window at the enormous white wing of the plane, imagining how smooth it will fly through the sky to take me to the Big Apple. But, that didn’t happen as soon as I’d hoped. After sitting on the plane for an hour, we were asked to go back inside the airport due to difficulties with the plane. “Will I ever get to New York?” I thought as I slouched back into the uncomfortable chair.

He gasped for breath, his chest on fire. His lungs couldn’t decide to sob or draw breath and tried to do both. He slipped to the floor on his knees, clutching his chest, tears pouring hot and fast down his face.

"Now boarding flight 305," A woman announced over the speakers. I slowly slumped up from my chair checking my phone, Wednesday, April 19. I made my way to the entrance of the plane where they checked my tickets and let me through. Soon I found my seat next to a man who looked around 25, he was a slightly taller man. We talked for a bit and I introduced myself and he introduced himself, his name was Ethan. I soon got bored of the view from the window. The warm stuffy air in the plane filled my lungs as I drifted to sleep. I woke up with a bang, people looked confused and some concerned. The pilots announced they were having small technical difficulties. Another loud bang came from somewhere on the left side of the plane. People started asking questions and looking around. The flight attendants told everyone to remain calm and assured them it was ok. A slight whistling noise hummed throughout the plane. All the sudden the air rushed out of the plane, loud sounds of the plane ripping in half were followed by nothing but blackness.

She felt the adrenaline rushing, pumping to every part of her body. Her palms began to sweat, throat tightened, million of thoughts begun to race through her head, striking her with anxiousness.  The sounds of the footstep began to grow as the clock ticked. The jazz that was playing in the gallery slowly became softer as people’s chatter grew louder as the room gradually packed with a sea of people from across the globe that specially travelled to show support.

As we arrived at the airport, the reality gradually began to hit. I was travelling to an unfamiliar place faraway from home, leaving behind all my memories and my friends. However, as I saw the joy and delight on the faces of other travellers and the excitement returned. My parents and I board the plane after walking through security, and find our seats. “I want to sit by the window,” I tell my dad. As the plane starts taking off and the wheels lift above the ground, I feel I am rising above the past and flying towards a new chapter in my life.

The bawling ricocheted off the plane’s curved bulkheads, underscored by a piercing shriek. Neville winced and plodded along, hoping with each row the wailing and sobs might subside or he might bypass their source altogether. Seat numbers increased along with the decibels until the plastic windows seemed about to shatter. Reaching seat number 43, Neville could tell that he was in for a very uncomfortable flight. As he approached the seat, he was greeted by a round face as red as a stop sign. The piercing scream bellowed into the aisle from the kid’s mouth the tone warbling in time with the

“Haven,” She paused, “couldn’t you hear me?” She was obviously stressed and angry with everyone. I had heard that annoying tone too many times before. I said nothing, waiting for her to repeat herself. She sighed and unbuckled her seat belt. “I said, We’re here. Now, get out and help me with the bags.”

“This is your captain speaking. We are third in line for take off. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy your flight.”

The phone and portable charger found a home in my pocket, as I made my way over to the line, tripping not once but twice before getting settled in line. I heard him chuckle, but refused to look back at him, in fear of my face giving off more embarrassment. Another zillion announcements, the boarding of the plane commenced as I prayed there would be no more graceful fumbles for the rest of the day.

Every five minutes the plane shakes. After fifteen minutes it began to rain. After the rain started pouring down, the shaking got worse. Jerking accompanied the shaking. Twenty minutes into the worse plane experience ever, it started thundering and lighting. At this point I began to pray. I said a prayer to God to please watch over everyone on this plane and make sure we land safely. Twenty-five minutes has passed and the captains now trying to avoid getting stroke by

“You should put your mask on,” the heavily sweating, somewhat well-padded man to her right fussed. Mallory was a loyal man, she asked him to