The alarm goes off at 3:00 am and then again at 3:15. I also set it for 3:30, but I wake up before it can go off again.

I reluctantly unfurl my body from the warmth of the covers and sit up on the edge of the bed. I check the sticky note on my night desk to see what I still need to do to get ready for our trip.

I hurry to the bathroom, brush my teeth and get dressed quickly.

I have less than 20 minutes before I need to reserve an Uber to the airport.

I finish and turn to go downstairs, turning off all the lights on my way there.

I look at my last minute to-do list and cross off items as I complete them. Finally, I toss the sticky note into the recycling bin.

“The Uber is more than 10 minutes away,” he says.

“Get it,” I say.

We do a last minute check of the house while we wait for the Uber to arrive.

Finally, we leave for the airport. Seventeen minutes later, we lug our suitcases to the nearest kiosk. We scan our passports and get in line to hand over our luggage.

There are long lines at security and a slow, meandering line at immigration.

There is a youth hockey team in front of us.

There is a family with young two children behind us.

There is an elderly couple across from us making small talk as they wait for their turn.

Our gate is at the end of the terminal and by the time we get there, it’s time to board.

Deep breath.

Here we go.

Cross posted to The Two Writing Teachers Tuesday Lice of Life Story Challenge.