Shooting from inside a moving car by Jenny Mealing via Flickr (CC by 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/9Yvaev

Ever last minute,

family weighs

2 suitcases exactly 50 pounds each

against 3 hours early to the airport.

Off like a herd of turtles

into Mombasa Road traffic

I drive

to squeeze

in the last moments together,

goodbye,

I love you.

See you on the other continent.

My passenger seat is empty

a tentative text that I’m in the area

since I know he works downtown.

A long shot.

As I pull away

he calls just leaving work

quick pick up line.

Discover we’re going the same direction

ready for home

delighted to have company.

Squeeze in a few moments together

before his bus stop

see you later

and we finish the journey alone

to rest at last.