On the plane, I heard a child crying from a sealed overhead compartment — I was shocked when I opened it.

I tried to focus on my own world, but with them sitting right next to me, their bickering was hard to ignore. Every now and then, she’d grumble, “I think I’m gonna be sick,” which would prompt him to sigh dramatically and shake his head. “I told you last night to slow down, didn’t I?” he’d snap.

“But no. You had to prove you could keep up with everyone else. And now look at you.”

“Oh, give it a rest, will you?” she mumbled, throwing herself back against the seat and closing her eyes again.

The guy’s nostrils flared as he took a deep breath, clearly counting to ten to keep his cool. The flight attendants were coming around with drinks, and she flagged one down with a weak wave. “Could I get a ginger ale?” she asked, barely lifting her head.Continue reading…