The click of heels, the screeching of cart wheels, a whiff of floral perfume and a sweet feminine laugh. Instinctively – a completely male reaction – his eyes opened and followed the group of women passing him. His hands opened, his grip on the chair... loosened. For that little moment, the world settled down and everything was fine. “Flight A 101 to Bangalore is ready for departure, passengers are requested to board the flight from Gate 3.” The urgent voice broke the moment. His hands now grip the... tighter, his eyes focus on the small book in his lap. He began to murmur the words, trying to find comfort in God's will. Breathing heavily, he looked around, wiping the sweat that trickled down his neck. He could feel every drop. He quickly stood up, gripping the book tightly in his hands, and headed towards the men's cloakroom. The faucet felt extremely cold. With trembling hands, he managed to turn on the tap and splash water on his face. “Flight JW301 to Mumbai is ready for departure from Gate 5.” The voice surprised him. He looked at his watch and the note. He had already checked and rechecked fifty times. Legs unsteady, he went out, checked the ticket again. This was not his flight. He had time. The aroma of coffee assaulted his heightened senses and he turned towards the bar. Upon entering he sat down in a corner, furtively observing the people. “They can see it on my face, would anyone notice? - his mind raced. Everyone looked normal. The waiter gave him a strange look, stopped, started to say something and then walked back silently, keeping a cautious eye on him.“ Flight B 101 to Mumbai is ready for departure. Passengers are requested to reach Gate no. 1". He swallowed his coffee, slammed the cup on the table, took a deep breath, and s......middle of paper......wn. He prayed to the Gods of all religions. He focused on what his coach had said: “Focus on something else.” He took off his iPod, put in earplugs, and disconnected from the world. He distanced himself from the people around him and from the plane. This was the only way. A touch on his shoulder made him jump; he looked up "Sir, we've landed." He looked at the stewardess smiling and waiting patiently. He took off his earpiece. He couldn't believe what he heard. “Did the plane land?” in disbelief he looked out the window. He could see the asphalt. He began laughing and crying hysterically. “I have to go out. The plane has landed. The stewardess stepped forward, “are you okay, sir?” He grabbed her and hugged her" Yes! YES! YES! This was my first flight in 40 years. I'm afraid of flying. I trained for six months to take this flight. The flight landed. Thank you”