King told Johnson. “And I’ve never admitted that to anyone. Except you. Now.” “No biggie,” Johnson said. “I won’t tell anyone.” They were on the front porch at King’s house. Steady rain dripping on the overhang above. But feeling no chill. The evening was warm. “That’s not my point,” King said. “It’s not a big deal that I haven’t been on an airplane. Lots of kids haven’t been on airplanes. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” “Yet you’ve kept this a dark secret.” “Not dark. Just a secret. Because of how bad I want to be in an airplane. I’ve been on this island my entire life. Trips sometimes to Seattle, but that’s it. Like my parents cocooned me here. I’m busting to break out.” “Going to get all sentimental here, like you want wings?” Johnson asked. “Become a beautiful butterfly?” “I think this is a good example of why guys rarely share feelings,” King said. “My point too. See how I managed to end the conversation? Now we don’t have to share feelings.”
