Sarah gave him a reassuring, cheerful nod and walked away toward the galley, leaving Julian standing alone in the aisle feeling utterly helpless. He stood there for a moment, his eyes scanning the quiet, darkened cabin until they landed on Leo. Leo was sitting comfortably in an extra crew seat near the forward bulkhead, reading an aviation magazine and looking entirely at peace with the world.
Desperate to salvage his wife’s comfort and his own fragile pride, Julian straightened his designer jacket, walked slowly down the aisle, and stood in the empty space right beside Leo’s chair. He let out a fake, paternal chuckle, leaning in close to speak.