Full body scanners rang alarms sporadically, accompanied by flashing red lights. Body and bag searches caused extended queues.

Once past the security gate the hollow muzak was interrupted to remind people not to leave their luggage unattended.

Security dogs snarled. The guards walked around with hands on machine guns. CCTV cameras kept a watchful eye from the high ceiling.

The air of suspicion infected fellow passengers, eyeing one another, judging threat levels based on appearance.

Parents hushed noisy children lest they draw unwanted attention to them.

Cowed and paranoid: the perfect way to start a relaxing holiday getaway.

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

My novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
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