“If this airplane goes up in flames, we’ll all go up in flames. If it crashes, we’ll crash with it. And if it lands safely on the other side of the ocean, we’ll land right there with it, and we’ll all wait, along with everyone, for our baggage to come out on the carousel. A friend assured me that as soon as we land, this pressure in my chest will vanish. He’s the same friend who told me almost two years ago that the war would be over soon. He’s a good friend, but not the most on-point. I send my wife another selfie from the taxi to the hotel. I’m in the back seat. Eyes open wide at the camera. Completely dry. Nothing to worry about, honey, it’s all good.”