Page 33 of The Secret to Belonging

Kristen has everyone say where they’re from

and where they will be living in Norway

most are staying near Oslo or Bergen

a few will be in Trondheim

no one but you is going so far north

before boarding the flight to London

you and Maura find a vending machine

last chance for American junk food, she says

you like her. she reminds you of Alison

you decide on a Snickers bar

dig your brother’s lucky quarter out of your pocket

it clatters down through the machine

and hits a pile of coins deep inside

you take your seat on the plane and fasten your seat belt

tear open the candy bar and close your eyes

inhale chocolate and caramel and peanuts and salt

you savor every bite

on the plane, time expands then contracts

you stop looking at your wristwatch

the people around you read and eat and talk quietly

a baby cries

the cabin lights dim and a movie starts on the front wall

you’ve seen it

the credits roll

the cabin stays dark

people sleep

you sleep and wake and sleep

you dream of mattresses and quarters

chewing gum and Bemidji

you walk through the smoking section to the bathroom