Will Kerry ever talk to a stranger again?

As I walk down the aisle and approach my seat, I always wonder who I’ll sit next to. Is it going to be someone I saw before we boarded? I eye everyone sitting around, always taking a mental note, wondering if they’ll be my stranger.

I have a window seat and stop as I reach it. She says, “Is this you?” “Yes, that’s me!” I say, as she begins to move her backpack out of my seat. She gets up to let me in. No eye contact. Not much more to say as I sit down. I check my messages and emails while we prepare to depart.

Kerry seemed very quiet at first and most certainly not someone who opens up to a stranger but here we are! She didn’t know it yet but she was about to ask me as many questions as I asked her!

Kerry, 47, was flying from Greenville to PA to celebrate her aunt and uncles 50th wedding anniversary. She grew up in Greenville and when I told her I loved it there, she wrinkled her nose and said she doesn’t. Most of her family is in PA. She grew up in Greenville because her dad didn’t finish school and had to get a job! Her words…. Not mine. Although I couldn’t help but laugh! Her parents are now divorced after 35 years of marriage.

She had to fly because she couldn’t drive due to her anxiety. She did tell me her mom was driving up and has a chauffeur. I asked her what her mother did for a living to afford a chauffeur. She looked at me really strange and said, “It’s her new husband.” I about died of laughter! I wasn’t sure she had it in her but she busted out laughing too!

Kerry was worried about her connection, as she had little time in between flights. Mine was about the same. I looked up the gate we were landing at and she sighed with relief knowing her next flight was at the same gate. I was not so lucky!

We ran off into the airport saying our goodbyes and I wonder, will Kerry ever talk to a stranger again?