Tourist Trap

The thick walls of the small airport trapped the sweltering heat inside. It wasn't long before Jodi and Melissa were fanning themselves with brochures they picked up after leaving the plane. The fact that the carousel barely worked didn't help.

"Well at least we dressed light," Melissa commented. Before leaving the plane, Melissa had changed to a tank top and shorts. Jodi wore a light pink top with a pair of capris.

"Oh I know," Jodi replied. "What's up with the airconditioning here?"

Melissa looked down for a moment. "I see you're still wearing your ring."

"Yeah," said Jodi. "I realize Colin and I are on a trial separation right now, but still...it feels awkward leaving home without it."

"There it is," Melissa said, pointing to a red suitcase that finally showed up after twenty minutes of waiting. As Jodi watched it crawl slowly, an olive-skinned stranger with dark curly hair reached for it.

"Here," he said as he lay the red suitcase on the ground.

"Thanks," Jodi said as she and Melissa turned and walked toward customs. On top stood a sign reading "WELCOME TO ISLA LUNA." The tiny island-nation was a little-known vacation spot. The island's culturally diverse inhabitants were made up of mostly tourists and retirees. It seemed though that Jodi and Melissa were the only ones in airport who were in their twenties, as well as the only Asians.

As Jodi and Melissa approached the long line to customs, a stern guard wearing a khaki uniform kept his eyes on Jodi's red bag.

"He looks pretty mean," Melissa whispered.