Empty nest

We took Will to the airport Saturday night.  We got there early, checked in, ate some food, wandered, talked, ate some more.  We ambled into the airport bookstore (I’m not sure, but I think it was called The Great Canadian Bookstore) and THEY HAD PORCUPINE!  They had three of them.  Not only that, the woman who was working there said that it was a very good seller and they’ve had to reorder several times!  I was flabbergasted, because it isn’t a large bookstore by any means.  Not only did they have it, but a girl had pulled it out of the bookcase and was HOLDING it in her hand!  Eeee!  It was so exciting.  And she looked to be just the type of reader I wrote this book for.  I wanted to lurk about and see if she bought it, but I didn’t want to get disappointed if she didn’t.  Not only that, but upon discovering her with my book in her hand, I got the biggest smile on my face that just wouldn’t go away, but I didn’t want her to think I was an even odder person than I actually am, grinning at her from over the top of bookshelves.  So we left. 

Then my husband got the bright idea to check out the other bookstore in the domestic terminal.  So, we did.  AND THEY HAD PORCUPINE AS WELL!  Seven of them.  FACE OUT!  (For you non bookie people, that means the bookstore didn’t just slide the book into the bookshelf but they placed it facing outwards so everyone can see the beautiful cover.  And this usually means that someone in the bookstore not only has read, but LIKES the book and so they place it that way so people will buy it.) And they had 7 copies!  Seven.  Wow.  They had the book in the adult section.  Which I think is great because adults really love this book.  So, I was happy that the bookstore did that. 

I never expected to find one of my books in an airport bookstore.  Never!  How exciting is that?  I was dancing around the airport on cloud nine, my husband and son smiling indulgently at me.  We walked by a fruit juice place and Will figured he could do with a peach and banana smoothie, so we got him one.  Don tangoed with the idea of a peanut butter, chocolate, banana one, but then he felt his stomach oozing over the waistline of his jeans and decided against it.  And then finally, alas, it was time for Will to go.

I tend to walk rather fast, but I made my feet slow down to a sedate pace to stretch out the time. 

We still arrived at the international departure gate. ( Sigh.) There are hugs and “I love you“‘s all around.  “Safe trip, don’t forget to phone when you get in.”

I called out a few more, “I love you“‘s while he was in line and we were standing behind the blue and metal pole barricade.  Will tolerated it with good humor and grace.  Then, finally with a final wave, and me bleating “I love you, safe journey,” one last time, Will disappeared around the opaque glass that encases the security area.  And immediately, I missed him.

Posted by Meg Tilly on Monday, December 17, 2007 in Chewing the Fat

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