Another attendant followed behind her, checking seat numbers again, then again. He asked her for her boarding pass and verified her ID card as well. For a moment, he stood frozen, as if deciding whether to keep going or turn back. Then he moved on without explanation.
A service cart rolled out earlier than expected, its metal wheels whispering over the carpet. Alyssa noticed the meal trays balanced on top, already sealed. One attendant whispered something to another. The detail felt small, almost petty—but it lodged itself firmly in her mind.