"Damn this traffic"
"If this persists, I will miss my flight."
A frustrated voice could be heard from one family's SUV. This was none other than Henry Maxwell, a surgical student, a person who had a flight to catch and dreams to follow, but here he was in the middle of a live shit show.
Beside him was his little sister, Nairobi, and cousin Jacob, observing the unfolding fiasco in silence.
"Big bro"
The younger sister called out to her big brother while adding with a worried yet assuring tone.
"I've looked at Google Maps, and only a section of about 100m ahead of us is painted red."
"We are only 45 minutes away from the airport, and once we clear this part, we are good to go."
Words spoken that she herself found hard to believe in.
Why?
Because they have already spent a full hour on this very same section of 100m.
While contemplating what else she could do to ease her brother's worry, an inspiration sparked in her mind, one that she was most familiar with.
The best way to get her brother's attention on something else was to invoke a challenge.
She knew best how her brother was overly competitive in everything that he did. For she was the primary victim of this very competitive syndrome during their childhood.
"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."
As she thought of one of their childhood memories, one that almost saw them become hot, juicy human barbecue.
This later warranted some serious repercussions from their parents; it's an understatement to say that she truly despised her big brother that day.
"But what do they say, siblings' love is a tough love?"
Nairobi thought, with a wry smile, while shaking her head in reminisce.
But despite the minor quarrels that arose in their childhood here and there. Her big brother had always looked out for her, and other than their parents, he was her biggest pillar of support.
She knew very well the type of ordeal her brother had to undergo to get this opportunity, the sleepless nights, the ridicule he got from people during his darkest times; his current achievements are by no means short of his blood, sweat, and tears.
"How about we play a game of cards?"
She asked with a provoking smile
And added
"Or are you scared of losing again to your younger sister?"
As a game of cards was one of the few areas in which he had never truly bested her.
Henry looked at Nairobi, her intention laid bare. Although he was reluctant at first, seeing the effort his younger sister was putting in, he eventually decided to play along.
After all, with results like this
Won Lost
Henry 33 297
Nairobi 297 33
Who wouldn't wish to restore their honor even if it wasn't there to begin with? So, like a knowing lamb entering the slaughterhouse, Henry entered the fray and played the game of cards.
***
At the beginning of their game, they still had 2:20 hours before the flight boarding time, and surprisingly enough, the game managed to calm some nerves for Henry. But this state of tranquility could only last for so long. God be damned who wouldn't?
Won Lost
Henry 34 309
Nairobi 309 34
With results such as this, Nairobi didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Perhaps her brother's competitive spirit has rubbed off on her so much that even when she wanted to help...Alas! The devil is in the details.
***
Half an hour later, they still had not moved a single inch, and now, no matter what happened, Henry could not calm down. With the looming disaster ahead of him. Henry called out to his parents in a worried tone, who were seated in the front seats.
"Mom"
"Dad"
"Is there a way we can circumvent this traffic?"
Henry's Mom looked at her husband as the rest of the youngsters followed her lead.
Silence....
Henry's dad, having an ugly expression on his face, was oblivious to both his son's inquiry and the fact that everyone was awaiting his response.
The current him was filled with flashbacks of his own missed flight, 3 years ago. A day he will never forget.
He opened his door, stepped out of the car, and said only two words.
"Blue Monday"
Afterwards, Henry's dad walked to several cars up ahead and joined a group of people who were also out of their vehicles, trying to figure out the cause of the unmoving traffic.
***
Back in the SUV
"Henry"
His mother called out.
"If your father comes back and it's a Blue Monday situation, you need to be prepared to go ahead to the airport."
"The three of you,"
"Solo."
She said every word slowly and with emphasis, while looking them in the eyes. Not wanting them to miss any key detail of the upcoming arrangements.
Jacob and Nairobi had confused looks on their faces at the meaning behind those words. With each one giving Henry side glances, trying to see if he understood what they had just been told. Especially the solo part, but they didn't have to wait long before the real bomb was thrown on their ashen faces.
"Jacob will be in charge of one of your big bags, while the other one will be handled by your younger sister."
"You'll carry your carry-on bag, and each one of you will board a different motorcycle. The riders might take advantage of the situation and charge high prices. Therefore, there's no time or room for price negotiations; whatever price they set, agree and set off immediately. "
"I am going to provide enough fare for each one of you. So, get everything in order and ready to take action when I say so."
Henry and the other two were stumped by the set of instructions given. But as reality started to settle in.
"Wait"
"Big bags,"
"Those weighing 20kg+"
Jacob and Nairobi gasped in horror. Slowly turning their heads to face the villain who caused it all, and in outrage, they uttered his name.
"Henry"