**Yes, this really happened**
“Bet you can’t guess what’s in my backpack.”
I glance up, half-listening, pegging him as another oddball. “No clue”
“My snapping turtle.”
I scan his face for a sign he’s joking. Nothing.
“Seriously?” I picture a cranky little turtle wedged between socks and toothpaste.
“WINNNNSTON” he says, grinning like he’s announcing a prizewinner. “He’s my buddy, and he can’t wait to see Michigan today.”
“Family up there?”
“Yep, Christmas with my sister for two weeks. You want to meet him?”
“Huh?”
“My buddy, Winston. Let me get him out.”
“No, not here. I’d hate for something to happen to him.”
Instead of listening, he cups his hands around his mouth and calls out, “Help! Help!”
Heads in the line swivel. My heart skips a beat.”
“What are you doing?!?”
“I like it. People look at you funny. Try it.”
“No thanks. I’d rather not get extra attention from TSA – especially with Winston in your bag.”
He grins wider. “That lady… she has a real nice butt.”
I feel my cheeks flush. Oh god, not this. He says it again. Louder. I brace for chaos.
But the woman chuckles. “Thank you,” she says with a smile before shuffling ahead.
I exhale, stunned.
He adjusts his backpack as if nothing happened.
“I’m going ice fishing tomorrow. You want to come?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “No thanks. I’m flying back home to Nashville.”
He pats his bag, “Your loss. Winston’s gonna love it.”
THE END – New Orleans, Louisiana