The Boy Heard the Entire Conversation

That made Rachel uncomfortable.

She hadn’t wanted any of this to happen in front of him.

So once the plane was in the air, Rachel turned toward the boy.

“Hey.”

He looked at her.

“Sorry everyone made that awkward.”

He shrugged.

“It’s okay.”

His mother looked toward Rachel.

For the first time, neither woman seemed angry.

The mother said quietly:

“I’m sorry too.”

Rachel nodded.

A few minutes later, the mother explained more.

They had been traveling since 5 a.m.

Their original flight had been canceled after boarding.

They had waited hours for another flight.

The boy had barely slept.

Rachel listened.

Then she told the mother she hadn’t refused because she wanted to make their day harder.

She had paid extra because she rarely traveled and had specifically saved for the trip.

The airline had charged her $64 to choose the seat.

“Sixty-four dollars?”

The mother looked surprised.

Rachel laughed slightly.

“Exactly.”

For the first time, the mother laughed too.