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.

and he sat back again.

“This is ridiculous,” he muttered. “I have a ten-thirty.”

Derek leaned toward his window. “Probably airspace issues.”

Kayla pivoted her phone, thrilled by something more interesting than mocking seat 22C. “Okay, now something’s actually happening,” she whispered. “This is insane.”

Claire pressed her lips together. The older couple continue reading …