Outside, the propellers began to spin, and the great metal bird hurtled down the runway, gathering speed like an eagle zoning in on its prey. For a few nerve-wrecking moments, the vibrations continued as the wheels ground into asphalt. And then suddenly all was still as the vibrations gave way to a feeling of weightlessness.
Higher and higher the bird rose, until the houses below were nothing but faint specks, until the tumultuous ocean seemed a calm blue sheet.
High enough to see clouds spreading out below.
High enough to reach out and touch the sky.
