My daughter folds out a stool into the aisle a row behind. And, not a seat belt in sight. Here we have, but do not notice, a most fertile ground for Murphy. We pull out of an overcast Zhengzhou through the busy streets, across the Yellow River, towards Chen Village. My video camera is poised to capture the China-wild ride.
Outside traffic thins as cities recede into gloom.
Behind me conversations fade, thoughts turn inward, eyes close, minds drift, and bodies slump against seats. Minds take flight and restless unbridled wills coalesce, creating the butterfly-wings of our impending chaos. Ahead endless shiny-slick pavement streams by sporting the occasional obstacle. I struggle to remain vigilant for interesting video but my eyes are heavy. Only a single odd sound penetrates the haze and links me to The World.