Two weeks have passed since Kevin made the call. It's a mix of brain-numbing paperwork regarding his sister and happy calls to employers to tell them he's done, but now he's ready. On a cold October morning, Kevin finds himself packing his suitcase to get to his flight on time. He stares down at the ticket on his phone.
"7:30 a.m.? Who the hell flies a plane at 7:30 in the morning? And why do I have to be there two hours early?!" Kevin yells to the empty room.
Mr. Zhao told Kevin that it's important to arrive at the airport early due to potential complications that may arise during check-in. In the two weeks Kevin has known Mr. Zhao, they've gotten closer, and Kevin sees him as a sort of counsellor. As annoying as getting up at 3 a.m. is, he knows it's best to be early, just like Mr. Zhao says.
He packs some old clothes, snacks, a phone charger, and some manga that he bought specifically for the trip beforehand. Kevin hasn't been on a plane since he left his home seven years ago. Even as a pro boxer, when he has fights across the country, he would much rather take a train or a car. He sold the suitcase he used to get here long ago, so this one is new. He fills it with clothes and hygiene products, putting the manga and phone charger in his old bag.
As he makes his way to the door, Kevin turns to the main room to take it all in. He knows this will probably be the last time he is here. He decides it's best not to clean up before he leaves, to leave a present for his less-than-tolerant landlord.
He takes a deep breath. "Goodbye, my palace of shit," he mutters under his breath.
"Yep, definitely shit."
But still, for the time he's been here, it's been his home. He knows he's going to miss it. Kevin turns around to leave and closes the door behind him. It starts to hit him; he realizes how surreal this is. He's really doing this; his life is about to change, and he's hoping it changes for the better. However, he knows better than anyone that things can go upside down when you least expect them to.
He locks the door and takes the stairs to the bottom of the building, getting ready to take the long walk to the bus station. Suddenly, a black BMW pulls up beside Kevin. The window rolls down, and Kevin takes a peek inside.
"Ooh, shit, sweet ride, Mr. Zhao!" Kevin exclaims. "I didn't know you had money like that!"
"Good morning, Kevin. Beautiful morning, isn't it?" Mr. Zhao replies.
"Ehhh, I guess you can say that. Whatcha doing over here?" Kevin says.
He wants to ask for a ride but doesn't know if he should. It's way too cold to walk today. Why does my flight have to be now? Kevin thinks to himself.
"I was in the area and thought I'd give you a ride. Come inside, it must be cold out there." Mr. Zhao motions for Kevin to get in the car as he unlocks the door.
"You don't gotta ask me twice!" Kevin quickly gets in the car, putting his backpack in the back seat. "Thanks, Mr. Zhao, you really are an amazing guy!" Kevin says, Getting comfortable in his seat.
Mr. Zhao chuckles lightly. "Actually, I came over because I think you'll get there late. Sorry."
Kevin looks at him with a deadpan look. "You can't be serious, man. When you got here, I was already ready to go!" Kevin exclaims.
"By walking? You would not have made it there on time, Kevin," Mr. Zhao says, chuckling to himself.
"I was gonna take the bus. It's not very far from my house, y'know," Kevin replies.
Mr. Zhao looks at Kevin, a dumbfounded look on his face. "Kevin… that bus doesn't come on Sundays."
Kevin stares back at Mr. Zhao. "What?" They blankly look at each other for a couple more seconds.
"Thanks for picking me up, old man," Kevin finally says.
"Anytime," Mr. Zhao replies. He then drives away from the building, making his way to the airport. As he passes by the town, soon to be Kevin's old home, Kevin starts to feel a bit melancholy. Mr. Zhao notices Kevin's expression as he peers through the window.
"Are you nervous, Kevin?"
"Huh? Nah, nah, just taking it all in, I guess," Kevin replies. "I'm really leaving, huh?"
Kevin turns to Mr. Zhao. "You know, I always thought living here would be temporary and I would be leaving eventually."
"Just not under these… conditions, right?" Mr. Zhao asks.
"Yeah, definitely not like this," Kevin replies. "I think it'll be for the better, but I'm not too sure, y'know?"
"I can't say I've ever been in your position, but I get it," Mr. Zhao says.
Kevin turns his head back around to look out the window, and the two men sit in silence until they get to the airport. Once there, Kevin gets out of the car, picks up his suitcase, and thanks Mr. Zhao for the ride. Before Kevin can walk into the airport, Mr. Zhao gets out of the car.
"Kevin, wait!"
Kevin turns around. "What's up?" he asks.
"I completely forgot. There are some details I have to tell you about Qiawu. It's been a while since you've been there, after all."
"Oh, right. I guess I didn't think about that," Kevin replies.
Mr. Zhao looks at the time on his watch. "I'll have to text you everything, including your new address, in case you've forgotten it. If you don't hurry, you're going to be late for your flight."
Kevin looks at the time on his phone. "Oh, shit, you're right!" He turns around and starts to run to the airport doors. "I'll talk to you after the flight, old man, see you later!"
Mr. Zhao chuckles as he gets back in the car. "Goodbye, Qiau Kai. I wish you the best," he says to himself, then drives off.