Stuck at the airport

“Jare! Thank God. Look, I might be in some serious trouble,” I started, fully aware he was about to spiral into an even bigger panic than the one currently gripping me like a vice. “My flight was canceled. Yes, yes, I know I’m supposed to be in Denver in 10 hours! Oh no shit, Sherlock!” I barked into the phone, feeling the frustration boiling over. “Look, call someone—my phone is dying. What? NO! I won’t be there on time; I’m in freaking London! Goddamn it!”

Initial message:

I was already at the airport in London, anxiously waiting for my flight to take off. In a few short hours, I should be in Denver, ready to dive headfirst into one of the biggest conventions of the year. You’d think after all these years, I’d have the whole “jet-setting” thing down to an art. But here I was, feeling as if I’d just run a marathon without the finish line in sight.

To be honest, I was a little worn out—“a little” being an understatement. The past few days had been a whirlwind: dashing from one location to another, meeting fans who were just as excited to see me as I was to see them. That part? My favorite. But, oh boy, did it take a toll. I felt completely spent, like a phone that had been on 1% battery since yesterday.

The weather outside was a disaster. Rain was pouring down in sheets, each drop pounding against the glass as if trying to announce its presence with all the subtlety of a rock concert. It was one storm after another, a real-life “Game of Thrones” episode, minus the dragons. I sighed and took a sip of the coffee I was cradling like a lifeline. It wasn’t the best brew I’d ever tasted—not even close—but hey, it was better than nothing.

My eyes drifted up to the departure board, which was displaying the kind of news I definitely didn’t want to see. A few flights were already canceled, and anxiety started bubbling in my gut. My flight number was up there, and it was that time when the board should have shown the gate. Instead, it displayed a single, ominous word: CANCELLED.

“No, no, no, no, no,” I murmured under my breath, panic creeping in like an old friend who overstayed his welcome. I fumbled for my phone, my heart racing as I dialed Jared’s number, hoping to hear his familiar voice.

“Come on, pick up, pick up!” I muttered, knowing I was probably in deep trouble.

“Jare! Thank God. Look, I might be in some serious trouble,” I started, fully aware he was about to spiral into an even bigger panic than the one currently gripping me like a vice. “My flight was canceled. Yes, yes, I know I’m supposed to be in Denver in 10 hours! Oh no shit, Sherlock!” I barked into the phone, feeling the frustration boiling over. “Look, call someone—my phone is dying. What? NO! I won’t be there on time; I’m in freaking London! Goddamn it!”

Of course, there he was—Jared babbling on about whatever nonsense he thought would help. Why did I even call him? I could’ve called anyone else. I rolled my eyes at my own thoughts. “Hey, hey, calm down! Just... can you call anyone from Creation? I’m sorry, Jared, but I won’t make it. Yeah, yeah, I know; can you tell them I said sorry? Jare? Jared?!” And just like that, my phone died mid-sentence. Perfect.

“Oh, fantastic,” I groaned, already rummaging through my backpack for a charger. Guess who didn’t have a charger on him? This idiot, right here. I slumped back into a chair in the waiting area—more like collapsed, really. I rubbed my face, trying to shake off the fatigue. Alright, Ackles, get it together.

I stood up to make my way to the information desk, only to find a crowd of equally irate people. Great, I’m not alone in this misery, I thought as I scanned the room. Just then, the attendant’s voice floated over the din: “I’m so sorry everyone, but the last key to our hotel room was just given to the lady in front of you. We will inform you if anything changes, but unfortunately, today there won’t be any departures.”

“Oh, you have to be kidding me,” I grunted, feeling a mix of disbelief and sheer exasperation wash over me.

Seriously, what was it going to take for me to catch a break? Maybe next time I’d just take the bus. At least then I wouldn’t have to worry about flight cancellations or phone batteries dying mid-panic.