above water Justin sat on the floor in front of the bathroom listening to his sister dry heave. “Molly? Can I get you something?” He asks, wishing the plane would just land already. “No,” she squeaks. Sighing, Justin closes his eyes. He was exhausted, but the thought of sleep didn’t appeal to him at all. He wanted to draw, but there were no pieces of paper nor pencils around him. Besides, he thought to himself, he would probably only draw pictures of Brian. And he couldn't deal with that right now. He thought about listening to Molly’s Ipod, but the batteries needed to be charged and he didn’t want to be reason they died. Died. Dead. What a bizarre word. Dead. His parents were dead. His uncle Alex was dead. His cousins were dead. His grandparents were dead. Dead. He and Molly could have been dead…. But they were saved. Saved. That was another funny word. Saved. And what did that mean? They were saved, so now what? What was left for them to do? What was meant for them? Saved. Saved from death. Death/Life…Justin needed another drink. Pulling himself up, he walks back over to the cockpit to find Al. “Hi,” he says, feeling defeated as he plops himself down beside his uncle’s friend. Al smiles. He looks tired, “How’s your sister?” “Still dry-heaving, but I think she’ll be okay.” “Of course she will, Kid,” he answers. Frowning, Justin has to ask, “Why are you so fuckin’ positive?” He laughs, “Well let’s consider my other options then. I can be mad as hell for having to risk my life and license saving you two brats. I can be annoyed that you took my beer. I can be sad because I could be fucking my wife right now. Or….I can be happy for doing something nice for my best friend: who also happens to be your uncle.” Justin bites his lower lip, muttering a sorry. Al grins, “Don’t worry about it. I love flying, I love adventures, and I know I’ll be fuckin’ my wife when I get back to the states.” Justin forces a smile. This man was definitely one of a kind. “So tell me about my uncle.” Al laughs, “Man, I would, but all my stories are definitely not G rated, and your uncle will have my balls if I tell them to you!” Chucking softly, Justin leans back against the chair, “Okay, then how about you teach me how to fly?” “Now you’re talking!” Al proclaims and he starts to point out all the buttons to new student.