Benny’s Paper Airplane #1

written & directed by Eli Barraza
sound design by Mischa Stanton
[BACK]

[[SFX: Ominous music fades in, low string instruments.]]

BENNY: Dear Peri,

I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry. I could say it a million times and it wouldn’t be enough. It wouldn’t change.

I tried. I tried to think of a way to stay with you. The whole time I carried you into town, the only thoughts in my head were to make sure you were okay and how. How could I help save you and keep the lighthouse.

The waiting room was empty. The only activity was you. In that whole hospital, the only activity that mattered was you. Sit down, son. The only words that got through to me. Sit down, son. I sat down and I asked and they asked if I was family. The man had called me son, despite the fact he was not my father.

Are we family, Peri?

The nurse left me alone. I sat. I sat and thought about the lighthouse to save me from thoughts of you. But thoughts of the lighthouse always led back to you. Your fall from it. Your gaze from its windows as you looked for your brother in the horizon. Your tales of bravery when you stepped outside its door after so many years. I couldn’t let you lose it. I couldn’t let it vanish and leave you behind.

So I left you.

The doctors said you would live so I left for the lighthouse so we could find you again.

I’m sorry.

I’m sorry that waiting room was empty when you woke up. I’m sorry there were no familiar faces to greet you. I’m sorry.

I’m looking for you. I swear I am only looking for you. I am not seeing the world, I am only seeing the places where you could be in it.

We’ll see each other again, I promise.

I’m sorry, Peri.

[[SFX: Music fades.]]

ELI BARRAZA: We hope you’ve enjoyed Benny’s Paper Airplane. This is our final one until our season 2 premiere and from July 30th until August 27th, you will get a special edition paper airplane sticker if you become a patron on our Patreon at patreon.com/thefarmeridian. We are also conducting a listener survey! We at The Far Meridian would like to know who’s wandering with us, what you love, and if you might be interested in merch. Check out at whisperforge.org/tfmsurvey. And as ever, may you always find your way.