First Solo Flight

I had waited years for this day; but who could have imagined that the day would end as a farce.

As a little kid I had always wanted to be a pilot; of course on some days I had a desire to become an ice-cream seller. In between I had developed an attraction for uniforms and I had often wondered whether I should choose to be a cop or a bus conductor.

But I was given little option by our father who had already decided that one day I would run his departmental store. He had a very low opinion of my brothers; out of sheer frustration he allowed them to pursue their dreams.  I was the chosen one who inherited his business and his dream.

I did well for myself and the family. When everything that needed to be settled had been settled, I thought of pursuing my dream. It took some effort and lot of money before I learnt to fly. And finally the day came when I was told that I could fly solo.

It was my fiftieth birthday and everyone was there to watch my first solo flight. My brothers had also come, carrying a huge aeroplane; it was my birthday cake.

I was excited for I had waited years for this day. But perhaps I was overexcited and that was mistake. I would soon regret.

As I walked towards the aircraft everyone started clapping; the little kids, and there were many of them, were shouting gleefully. These were electrifying moments; I almost ran towards the aircraft.

Suddenly I tripped on something and fell; I had hurt my left foot. A doctor was summoned who advised that I should be promptly taken to an orthopaedic surgeon.

It was my first trip to a hospital and on a day for which I had waited for years.

*****

A post for Flash Fictionfor the Purposeful Practitioner on a photo prompt and opening sentence, ‘I had waited years for this day…….’