He sat with his wife’s photo, waiting for a son who had already boarded without him

and the scent of fresh lilies everywhere.

It was beautiful. A handful of guests were milling around, all draped in sharp suits and cocktail dresses. I headed straight for the reception desk, eager to check in so I could sneak up to surprise Adrian.

The receptionist, a young woman whose name tag read Jessica, was on the phone. She flicked her eyes toward continue reading …