Favourite Attendant

"Damn this traffic"

"If this keeps up, I'm going to miss my flight."

A frustrated voice echoed inside family SUV. It belonged to none other than Henry Maxwell, a surgical student with a flight to catch and dreams to chase. But here he was, stuck in the middle of a live, steaming mess. 

Beside him sat his little sister, Nairobi, and their cousin Jacob, both silently observing the unfolding fiasco. 

"Big bro"

Nairobi called out, her voice a mix of concern and reassurance.

"I checked Google Maps; it's just a 100 meter stretch ahead that's red."

"We are only 45 minutes from the airport, and once we clear this part, we are good to go."

Words she herself barely believed.

Why?

Because they have already spent a full hour on that 100 meter stretch, unmoving.

While contemplating what else she could do to ease her brother's anxiety, inspiration struck.

One she knew all too well. If there was one surefire way to distract Henry, it was to challenge him.

He was hopelessly competitive. She would know, as she was the primary victim of that competitive streak since childhood.

"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."

She thought, recalling a childhood memory, one that almost nearly turned them into 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 tough love"

Nairobi thought, with a wry smile, while shaking her head in reminisce.

But despite the childhood squabbles, Henry had always looked out for her, and other than their parents, he was her greatest pillar of support.

She knew very well the type of ordeal her brother had to undergo to earn this opportunity, the sleepless nights, the ridicule he got from people during his darkest times, the setbacks; his current achievements are by no means short of his blood, sweat, and tears.

"How about a game of cards?"

She asked, flashing a mischievous grin.

"Or are you scared of losing to your little sister again?"

Card games were one of the few challenges where Henry had never bested her.

Henry looked at Nairobi, her intention laid bare. Though reluctant at first, seeing the effort his little sister was putting in, he eventually decided to play along.

After all, with results like this

 Games won: Henry 33, Nairobi 297 

Who wouldn't wish to restore their honor even if it wasn't there to begin with?

So, like a lamb knowingly walking into the slaughterhouse, Henry entered the fray and played the game of cards.

***

At the beginning of their game, they still had 2 hours and 20 minutes before the flight boarding time, and surprisingly enough, the game managed to calm some of Henry's nerves. But this state of tranquility could only last for so long. 

God be damned who wouldn't?

 Games won: Henry 34, Nairobi 309 

With results such as this, Nairobi didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Perhaps Henry's competitive spirit had rubbed off on her so much, so that even when she wanted to help...

The devil is in the details.

***

Half an hour later, they still had not moved an inch.

Now, no matter what anyone said or did, Henry couldn't calm down. With the looming disaster of a missed flight hanging over him, he turned to his parents in the front seats and called out, his voice tight with worry.

"Mom"

"Dad"

"Is there a way we can get around this traffic?" 

Henry's Mom glanced at her husband as the kids followed her gaze.

Silence....

Henry's father wore a grim expression on his face, 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 side door, stepped out of the car, and then briefly explained.

"I'm going to investigate." 

"Wait for my return."

Afterwards, Henry's dad walked to several cars up ahead and joined a group of drivers 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 with bad news, you need to be ready to head to the airport."

"The three of you..." 

While giving them a meaningful look, 

"Solo."

She said every word slowly and with emphasis, not wanting them to miss any key detail of the upcoming arrangements.

Jacob and Nairobi had confused expressions on their faces as they tried to decipher 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 in such a situation.

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 your little sister will handle the other one."

"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 negotiations; whatever price they set, agree and set off immediately. "

"I am going to provide enough cash for each one of you. So, get everything in order and ready to take action when I say so."

This set of instructions left Henry and the other two stunned. But as reality started to settle in.

"Wait"

"Big bags?"

"You mean the ones that weigh over 20 kilos and lack wheels?"

Jacob and Nairobi gasped in horror. Slowly turning their heads to face the villain who caused it all, and in unison, they groaned his name.

"Henry"