The flight had already felt like a small victory before anything unusual happened. A two-seat emergency row meant extra space, quiet, and a chance to stretch after a long week of work.
I settled in with a book, expecting nothing more than a peaceful journey and a routine landing. When the last passengers boarded and the seat beside me filled, I noticed her friendly smile and relaxed confidence.
We exchanged polite greetings, the kind people offer without expectation, unaware that a simple conversation can sometimes turn an ordinary moment into a memorable one.
