He let go of the death grip he had on the handle of his carry-on, and we moved to bump our shoulders together. As our bodies touched, I could feel the shivers running through him, and I was sure he could feel mine. We pressed together one shoulder, then the other, and finally thumped each other hard on the back.

“It’s good to see you, Desta,” he breathed out, and I could hear the depth of emotion he was feeling in the trembling in his voice.

I shuddered out a breath that felt like it was coming from the deepest place in my soul. “You too.”

After a moment we separated and moved to sit beside each other, waiting for the plane to board. We had to look ridiculous with the giddy grins we both had on our faces, and I did not care in the slightest.

“So how did it go with your parents? I was so worried.”

He shook his head, smiling sadly. “Better than I expected, actually. My dad especially has always prided himself on being counter-culture,” he said, amused. “So he was pretty good about it. My mother was shocked, but she’s coming around. Mostly they want me to be happy. I think it’s also easier for them that I’ll be in the States where things are better, at least when it comes to this. My sister already knew. Or at least she says she did.”

I exhaled, the last bit of tightness melting off my shoulders. “I’m so glad.”

He gave me a regretful look, and I saw him fist his hand from where it was right by mine. “I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch, but once I decided I wanted to try to leave with you, I had a million things to do, and it wasn’t certain until almost the last minute that I’d be able to pull it off. Saba was a lot of help. She was able to get my visa expedited, and Bonnie was great at helping me get all my paperwork in for my resignation from Aid. It’s been hectic.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “I can’t believe no one told me anything! Traitors.”

He laughed. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”

“Well, I was shocked, so good job.” I tried to sound annoyed, but I was so clearly ecstatic he wasn’t buying it.

We sat there in silence, grinning at each other for the next couple of minutes, and with every second I got more desperate to get on the damn plane. Thankfully boarding started, and soon we were walking onto the plane together.

As we shuffled along the bridge, I felt like I was literally heading into a new life.