Ignoring a full bladder,
I walk briskly,
towards Gate 8.

     Where is she?

People await the snake
to wake
with luggage
carried along its rubbery spine.

Hands reaching. Children tugging. Bodies hugging.
Suits racing. Some pacing. Others stopped.
Still no sign…

But there,
the column moves aside
to let my sister wave hi.

As I rush towards her
(closer,
almost within reach
to touch
and reassure her that
I am no mirage)
Her lovely smile distorts
with the salty taste of relief.

I wrap my welcome around her.
A year away,
“So happy to see you”, I say.
All is at ease, including…

I pull her off
“I love you but –.
Restrooms are where?”