DEPARTED

DEPARTED

August 5, 2025

We had just left the airport.
Already past where we said goodbye.
Already on Sepulveda.
But we turned back, just to see them land.

Parked by In-N-Out.
Watched a few planes,
then decided to make lunch out of it.

We went inside.
Got burgers.
He sat between us the whole time,
on the blanket his grandmother made for him.
He didn’t try to crawl, barely moved.
He was as still as he’s ever been outside.

He didn’t flinch once.
The engines roaring only made him turn faster.
As if it was a personal message
delivered by the plane gods,
telling him to turn around now.

And he did. Every time.
With his whole body.
No fear.
Just awe,
and pieces of burger,
and airplanes.