They mocked the woman in seat 22C—until two fighter jets aligned with her window, and a pilot spoke her name in a way that made the entire plane forget how to breathe.

of phones.

As they approached the side exit, Greg stood off to one wall alone with his carry-on at his feet.

No audience now.

No Derek beside him.

No laugh to harvest.

He did not try to speak again.

He just watched Olivia pass with a face that looked older than it had at boarding. In his pocket, his phone kept buzzing. Work. Colleagues. Questions. Maybe continue reading …