This piece would probably fall under the 'vignette' umbrella, a writing style I've never been particularly drawn to. By definition, a vignette is a short piece that clearly expresses the typical characteristics of something or someone. I thought it might be worth an attempt. This is based on a personal anecdote from about ten years ago. And a dream from earlier this week.
The Journey to the Journey
He adjusts his pace to match the small pair of feet beside him. When the boy asks about holding the tickets, he relinquishes them without a second thought. Sacred documents entrusted to innocent hands.
Over at the doorway with the lights, he explains to the boy why the woman is dressed like a police officer. She asks where they're going and he pretends to have forgotten so the boy can answer for them. He asks the boy for help with the contents of his pockets; keys, loose change, a phone. He gives each item to the boy to set in the large plastic box. He asks the boy to make sure it the box makes it into the mouth of the tunnel. Per request, he lets the boy go through the doorway first.
He points to the huge window where metal dragons take off and land. The beasts move so fast. The boy has never seen them up close before. Together they gasp in awe at the size of the tail resting so close to where they are. The boy laughs dizzily as the colossal creatures circle overhead.
There is a grand hallway full of people just like them, coming and going; and a floor that moves. He congratulates the boy for jumping on the moving floor without falling over. And they ride. He spots paintings and tapestries on the walls as they continue. He asks the boy what they are and agrees with whatever the boy says. By the end of the moving floor, he has lifted the boy's tired legs onto his shoulders. The boy can see everything now. So many people. So many things. So many stories.
The boy is seated now. The boy has his own story, and it fills some of the time they'll have to spend waiting. He listens attentively to every detail. Asking questions about what happens next. And when the boy finishes the story, he reacts as if it's the most amazing thing he's ever heard. He assures the boy that he's only going to step away for a moment. They both need something to eat, and he points to the place he's going to be. The boy isn't worried. The boy is happy.
He turns to move towards the place where the food is, but his eyes meet those of a stranger who happened to have taken notice of his reaction to the boy's story. The stranger smiles at him, with an expression that can only mean "good dad".
It's all he needs.
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