9500 Kilometers - (5) A Long-Awaited Embrace

After getting off the plane and grabbing my suitcase at baggage claim, I followed the exit signs and arrows. I passed tropical plants and small fountains until I reached a large hall filled with people waiting and walking around. Feeling a bit disoriented, I looked around until I unmistakably spotted Luna at the far end. She had read my message and had actually come to meet me.

She was wearing light denim hotpants, her blue crop top with yellow stars, and her dark brown hair loose. In her hands, she held a handmade sign with my name and a heart on it. When she saw me, she dropped the sign and ran toward me. I set the teddy bear on the floor and wanted to walk toward her too, but she was so fast that she was already in front of me by the time I looked up again.

She hugged me so fiercely and tightly that I almost stumbled. Our embrace lasted an eternity, yet it didn’t feel that long. When she finally let go and we stared at each other speechlessly for a few seconds, I said, “Olá Luna.” She kept looking at me as if she couldn’t believe we were really standing in front of each other. I could hardly believe it myself.

“Olá Jake” she said softly and with so much warmth, hugging me again. I handed her the teddy bear that had accompanied me on the entire 12-hour flight and was not only too big for my suitcase but also too big for her. We each held one of its arms and walked together through a large glass door, leaving the airport behind us.