Holiday Plans

Maya's flat, 4am, two packed bags by the door

The rival firm's offer — double the salary, made over the phone the night before — was still hanging over her, unanswered. Maya decided it could wait. She needed this weekend with Lena more than she needed to work out what to do about her career.

Lena: I've been looking forward to this for a month. Our flight's at half six — let's set off while the roads are empty.

The motorway to the airport, 5am, dashboard clock ticking

The roads weren't empty. A lorry had crashed near the exit, and the motorway had ground to a halt — heavy traffic crawling bumper to bumper as the clock crept past five.

Lena: We can't call off the trip now — but we'll miss check-in and never pick up our passes in time.

Whatever Maya said, they ran the last stretch to a gate flashing FINAL CALL, slipping through as it closed. As the plane began to take off, Maya let the stress melt away.