The safety spiel finished, the flight attendants retreated and the plane turned onto the runway, its engines at full throttle as it surged forward, forcing Keely back into her seat. She clasped her hands tightly and took a quick look out the window. The view was partially blocked by the woman next to her, but Keely was able to catch a glimpse of Adelaide sliding beneath and the shoreline giving way to the sparkling blue of the gulf waters.

“Perth, here I come,” she muttered softly and turned away to look directly into Euan’s bemused smile. She blushed again – had he overheard her? She dug her book from her pack and spent the first part of the flight reading but gave up when the flight attendant offered food. It might help quell the queasiness in her stomach. It had been with her since the night before and she assumed it was because of her anxiety in the lead-up to her travels.

The woman with the crossword had packed her own food and continued to work on the huge word puzzle as she ate. Euan, on the other hand, was keen to chat.

“What were you reading?” he asked once their snacks and drinks had been delivered.

“A book written by a doctor who has worked for the Flying Doctor Service in the top of Western Australia and Northern Territory.”

“Interesting?”

“Very. I’m hoping to see some of the country he’s talked about.”

“Are you in the medical profession, Keely?”

There was that hint of the Irish. The way he said her name reminded her of her grandfather again.

“No, I’m a secondary teacher. Art and design.”

“I admire those who have the courage to teach…and you’re creative as well, very clever.”

His eyes held a sparkle of amusement. Keely looked down. “I do enjoy designing and making.” She reached for her cup. It’s the clever and the courage I lack, she thought.

“There are a few places you should visit while you’re in Perth. Where are you staying?”

“In backpacker accommodation in the city.”

“That’s a good way to meet up with people. Used to do a lot of it myself. Where will you go after that?”

“After Perth I plan to stop where I see something I like. I haven’t got a schedule.” Keely found herself relaxing. Euan was easy to talk to, and she was looking forward to this holiday.

“Lucky you.”

She was about to ask what he did in the south but the plane bumped and she was interrupted as the captain spoke through the speaker system, explaining they’d met some unexpected turbulence and asking everyone to remain seated and fasten their seat belts.