CHASING LIFE by Steve Jovanoski Read Free Book Online

pang of sadness deep in his chest and put it back hurriedly. In the years since her death, he’d seen Julia’s face everywhere. He saw her in a crowded shopping mall and he saw her driving by. It wasn’t Julia, of course. It was just his grief-stricken mind playing tricks on him. At times, he’d find himself doodling on a piece of paper, and he’d look down on it to see he’d written her name over and over again, without even realising it. When a flight attendant walked by, he asked for a glass of wine and shortly thereafter drifted off to sleep.
     
    A few hours passed and Dave was awakened by another flight attendant, this one an Asian woman with a cover girl smile. She gave him a gentle nudge and told him that the lunch would soon be served. He looked around as if to reassure himself he was still on the plane. Dave stretched his arms and yawned, feeling all the tension in his body loosen up.
    ‘Let’s hope,’ the older passenger on Dave’s left said, putting away his book, ‘that the meal on this flight is palatable. I had gas for a whole week from my last flight.’ He leaned in Dave’s direction. Dave noticed he was wearing a floral shirt with khaki pants and his fingers were covered in gold rings. The man’s drawl suggested he might be an American from the South, Dave guessed. Not that he was an expert on American accents, but he’d seen enough movies to know.
    ‘I hope so too,’ Dave replied affably.
    ‘So where are you from?’ the man asked.
    ‘Melbourne, Australia.’
    ‘Oh, an Aussie. I’ve never been to Australia.’
    ‘But didn’t you board in Melbourne?’ Dave inquired.
    ‘I was in transit from New Zealand. I’m on my way to Paris via Hong Kong and then back to New Zealand or maybe even Tahiti. I’m not sure yet, I tend to travel the world and party like crazy.’ In a complete non sequitur, the traveller asked, ‘And you’re married? A girlfriend perhaps?’
    ‘Nope, I’m on my own. You’re from the South, I take it?’ Dave added, trying to get away from the topic of his marital status.
    ‘Yeah, Alabama. The name ’s Earl.’
    ‘Mine’s Dave. Nice to meet you,’ he said, shaking hands. ‘Are you on business or a holiday?’
    ‘I’m retired. I just travel these days. How about you?’
    ‘Holiday to Hong Kong,’ Dave replied.
    ‘A great place! How long are you staying?’
    ‘Don’t know.’
    ‘Where are you staying?’
    ‘I’ve no idea. I’ll figure it out when I get there. Can you recommend any accommodations for a first-time visitor?’ D ave asked.
    Earl laughed . ‘You sure got a casual approach to travellin’! Try the Ragan Hotel. It’s in Wan Chai, close to Times Square and not too expensive.’
    ‘Thanks, I will.’
    ‘That’s interesting, an open-ended journey,’ Earl declared with a smile. ‘I love Thailand and Cambodia. I’ve been there many times, but Southeast Asia just keeps drawing me back.’ Earl patted Dave’s arm.
                  ‘I’m looking for a new adventure I guess, and I know it’s out there if you’re willing to chase after it,’ Dave said.
                  Just then, the beautiful Asian flight attendant was passing down the aisle and Earl waved a hand in her direction. As she approached, he said to Dave: ‘You won’t be bored in Hong Kong, trust me. Let’s get us some drinks.’ Earl took the liberty of ordering a bottle of red.
    ‘So how did you find New Zealand, Earl?’ Dave asked as their bottle of wine was brought to them.
    ‘Very sheepish!’ Earl laughed, slapping Dave playfully on the arm. ‘I’m joking. It’s a great place. I bought this watch there. Look, it hardly works, just like New Zealanders.’
    They conversed further while finishing their first glass of wine. Earl proposed another. Dave was feeling a little drowsy but agreed—at least the conversation passed the time.
    ‘Now Dave,’ began Earl, his drawl getting drawlier as he imbibed more alcohol, ‘you’re going to Hong