THE MOMENT
“That?” Kana stared up at the unfamiliar flying object overhead. He was one of dozens of orcs gathered outside watching the flyby. “That's what all the fuss is about?”
“It's not specifically that one, Dad.” Kana Jr. wasn't surprised that his father and the older neighbors didn't understand the significance. But even if they didn't understand, they were all glad for an excuse to party. “It's about what it represents. There'll be more on the way.”
“Are those going to be more impressive?” Kana asked, and the few neighbors there laughed at the comment. They didn't mean anything by it, and at least they were there. He tried to coordinate a block party to get everyone’s attention for the big day, and only his dad’s closest friends showed up.
“Don’t you see it?” Kana Jr. asked as he gestured toward the disappearing plane.
“I saw it,” Kana nodded. “It’s large, loud, has reflective skin, and its wings don’t flap,” He shrugged. “It’s nothing graceful and alive like a dragon flying; I don’t see much of a future for those things here.”
“It can carry dozens more passengers than a dragon, and it’s safer too! You don’t have to worry about getting eaten on the way. On other Earths, they’re the most ubiquitous form of air travel.”
“I’m sure they’re very popular on Earths without dragons,” Kana nodded with a shrug. He was there for Kana Jr.’s exciting day, but he was also about done with the conversation. “Food’s almost ready, gonna come eat?” Kana asked.
“In a bit,” Kana Jr. nodded while still staring up at the sky. He would watch the plane until he couldn’t see it anymore. His dad walked off after a warm pat on the shoulder, and Kana Jr. smiled. None of them understood what it meant now that Chroma Corp. connected their Earth to alternate realities. That plane was the first commercial flight on this Earth, and he was lucky enough to be in its path. The world was different now. He could see it, even if they couldn’t. He would savor this moment for a long time to come.