The Backpack

Chapter 28

The plane droned on.

Sofia edged around so a few passengers who were headed to the lavatory could get past.

From Sofia's angle, Cecelia seemed to be hiding in the galley, scrolling through her phone.

Collin was busy talking and laughing with passengers, practicing skills he had received in coaching from Sofia.

Buddy waited.

This time Jon broke the silence.

“Can we get back to that fun part? Don't get me wrong, Buddy and Sofia,” he added looking up at her. “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you both, and, I must admit, simply talking about all of this seems to have lowered my stress and anxiety level, though I'm not sure why.”

“We can get to that, too,” Sofia threw in. “There is a why.”

“Yes, siree,” Buddy joined in. “With our stress, emotions, responses, and the whole kit and kaboodle we've been discussing, there is always a why. Sometimes that why might be that we overstuffed ourselves at Bubba's Barbecue Buffet, but there is always a reason. But I tell ya, Jon. I'm as happy as a puppy in a preschool that you're aware of your change in stress level. That means you're paying attention to what's going on inside your backpack. Which, by the way, is the only way to manage what comes out of your backpack.”

It was Jon's turn to say, “Hmmm.” But it wasn't because he was going to tell Buddy he was wrong. Rather, it was affirmation that he was continuing to see how Buddy was right.

“Jon, I know you have children because you referred to dealing with them around home,” ...