In the old days, when he flew a lot, he'd never been able to get absorbed in a book until the plane had taken off, so he'd spent the pre-boarding time flicking through magazines and browsing in gift shops, and that's what the last couple of decades had felt like: one long flick through a magazine. If he'd known how long he was going to spend in the airport lounge of his own life, he'd have made different travel arrangements, but instead he'd sat there, sighing and fidgeting and, more often than was ever really acceptable, snapping at his traveling companions.
In the past, he struggled to immerse himself in reading until his flight had taken off, leading him to idly browse magazines and gift shops while waiting for departure. This sense of superficial engagement has mirrored his life in recent years, feeling akin to perpetually flipping through a magazine without truly diving into any content. The metaphor suggests a dissatisfaction with how he has spent his time, indicating a longing for deeper experiences.
If he had realized the extent of time he would be stuck in this metaphorical airport lounge, he might have chosen a different path for his life. Instead, he finds himself restlessly waiting, often feeling irritable and impatient with those around him. This reflection highlights a universal theme of regret over missed opportunities for meaningful engagement and fulfillment.
