Boneyard by Pauline Barmby

She trudges over sand, past landing gear, under wings, seeking a flight that never reached its destination. Regional, mainline, and cargo craft repose in the desert sun, their livery bleached and pinstripes sandblasted.

There! A widebody in faded AtlantisAir teal, shades down against the glare. She pebbles the windshield to announce her presence.

Fuelless engines groan to life. Landing lights produce an unearthly dazzle. The main door creaks open, emitting a foetid stink and a crumbling escape slide. She scrambles up as it disintegrates beneath her.

Dust flies in the take-off roll. Shades lift; at every window, a skull grins.