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Sleepless

November 30, 2021 10 Comments

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I haven’t slept for almost four days. That’ll be 96 hours. I don’t know how I’m still functioning. I don’t even feel tired anymore.

Yesterday, I started seeing things that aren’t really there. At least, I don’t think they’re really there. Maybe they always have been, and I just didn’t notice before. The walls pulsate and move, and terror-stricken faces with mouths stretched wide in silent screams come up out of the floor.

I’ve enjoyed my stopover, but it’s back to work today. I’m piloting a 17-hour red eye from London Heathrow to Perth.

This is going to be interesting.

By C.M. Saunders

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathy Cade says

    November 30, 2021 at 5:58 am

    I’m glad I didn’t read that before my trip to New Zealand a couple of years back.
    Now I’m waiting to read part 2.

    Reply
    • Chris Saunders says

      November 30, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      Maybe you can read it again before your next trip, Cathy!

      Reply
  2. Jillian Collette says

    November 30, 2021 at 11:48 am

    Great story!! I am never flying again!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Chris Saunders says

      November 30, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks, Jillian! My work is done!

      Reply
  3. Shoshauna says

    November 30, 2021 at 5:01 pm

    I once went without sleep for almost this long. The culprit? Coffee yogurt, believe it or not. Too much caffeine! – Love this story—–

    Reply
    • Chris Saunders says

      November 30, 2021 at 6:30 pm

      Thanks, Shoshauna! Coffee yoghurt? I’m putting it on my list!

      Reply
  4. Valli Henry-Boldini says

    December 1, 2021 at 5:48 am

    Just goes to show how really tired pilots can become… especially over the past two years or with certain companies… excellent imagery… kudos…

    Reply
    • Christian Saunders says

      December 3, 2021 at 11:19 pm

      We never quite know what goes on in those cockpits. Thanks for the kind words, and the comment!

      Reply
  5. Margaret Black says

    December 1, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    This gave me the shivers thinking about a 16hr flight I went on a few years ago! Love the way the story built and the situation pieced together as it went on

    Reply
    • Christian Saunders says

      December 3, 2021 at 11:19 pm

      Thanks, Margaret! I’m glad you liked the story! 16-hour flights are no fun. No fun at all.

      Reply

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