The Lilac Code

“I have someone else’s luggage!” she stated with delayed realization.

“What are you mumbling about in here?” Granny Bert asked, returning from the bathroom.

“I have the wrong suitcase! This isn’t mine.”

“How in tarnation did that happen?”

“I have no idea. Wait. The attendant stowed my luggage for me,” she recalled. “I was one of the last people off the plane, which means that someone else mistook my luggage for theirs.” She sank onto the side of the bed with a horrified sigh. “That means that they have mine, and I don’t have a thing to wear!”

“Look on the bright side. You’ve needed a new wardrobe. Derron found you a few new pieces, but you still need a major update.”

“Not like this, I don’t! I don’t even have a pair of underwear to change into.”

“Relax, they have stores up here. There was a mall near the restaurant where we ate.”

Madison continued to bemoan her troubles. “This is terrible, just terrible. My favorite boots were in that bag!”

“So, call the airport, explain the mix-up, and see if the other person has already returned your bag. I’ll bet it’s there waiting on you.”

“You’re right. I should call the airport.”

Her grandmother clicked her tongue. “What would y

 ou do without me? All this time, I thought I was the beauty and you were the brains, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe I’ve been both, all along.”