It was already eleven PM, local time, well past their scheduled arrival when Tabitha and her crewmates wheeled their carry-ons through the C Terminal. Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, normally bustling and bursting with throngs of passengers, had turned into a gleaming empty palace of marble and glass, haunted by automated notices that never stopped. *Don’t leave bags unattended. If you see something, say Something.* Standing on the conveyor belt, she watched the airport pan to the right in slow motion, like she had stepped out of time.
The *clop clop clop* of Tabitha’s black heels filled the silent void as she resumed her walk with short, brisk steps, the tight blue pencil skirt preventing her from taking longer strides. Still, she loved the airline uniform, tailored perfectly for her slender hips and waist. The blazer puckered *just the right way* at her chest to command the eyes of male passengers, and the envy of women. She felt like a goddess.
“Are you staying at the W?” Charlene asked at the taxi stop. The yellow minivan was half full with the crew and Tabitha was the last one on the sidewalk.