Cuddling with Strangers

Usually I wouldn’t waste anyone’s time squawking about a flight. But, my flight from LAX to Taipea, Taiwan was funny. As I’m walking to my seat, a middle eastern man takes my backpack from me and helps me put it in the cabin space above.

Neighbor: I guess you’re my neighbor.

Me: Yeah, Hi! (This doesn’t mean I want to chat with you the entire 13 hrs).

My anxiety is kicking in, this seat is really fucking small. (Note: China Airlines is made for small people.) I chew two valium. My neighbor is speaking in Arabic to someone on his cellphone.

He hangs up and asks me, "Are you a Russian girl?" to which I respond, "No, I’m not Russian, I’m American."

Neighbor: Oh, you don’t sound like it. I know a Russian girl and you remind me of her.

Me (confused): Where are you from?

Neighbor: I live in Dallas but I grew up in Oklahoma City.

Me: I’m from Tulsa!

HUGS.

It’s 2 am when the plane takes off and I am passing out. Minutes later my neighbor wakes me up so that I don’t miss dinner. I’m about to fall asleep on my food.

Neighbor: You can sleep on me if you like

Without hesitation, I am full on cuddling this man like the large teddy bear that I have in my bedroom in Tulsa. I spent the day of my flight cuddling with my two cousins who are 4 & 6 years old on an overcast and chilly beach in Malibu and it didn't feel any different.

When I wake up, breakfast is coming around and my neighbor is massaging my neck. It feels good.

I lift myself off my neighbor and I eat my breakfast.

Neighbor: I was massaging your neck.

Me: Yeah, haha

Neighbor: I used to do that to my ex-lover and she would sleep so well all night

Alright, shit just got weird. I don’t care though, I slept for a record ten hours on a plane and landed in Taiwan in another 3. Plus, he was a fellow Oklahoman. And that means something to me.

Cuddly neighbor wanted a photo shoot

Chilling in Taipea