Voyage

I settle into the captain's chair with the controls at my fingertips. With no destination in mind, I'll let the solar winds set my course. A motor hums as I recline the seat into the familiar and comfortable pre-launch position.

My eyes grow heavy and my body is beginning to relax into the semi hibernation needed for the trip, when a commotion interrupts the tranquility. A late arriving passenger is requesting to board, and no sooner than I accommodate him, another one arrives. Finally, the three of us are settled in and comfortable. Let the voyage begin.

“Honey, you're wanted on the phone!”

The dogs kick me in the crotch as they leap off my lap and start barking. I fumble for the recliner control so I can get out of the damn thing. Once I find the right button and the motor slowly lowers the foot rest I get to my feet and stagger to the phone, only to get a dial tone.

“I guess they hung up,” Carol says, “Maybe you need a space ship with an ejection seat!”