By the time Leo finally boarded the aircraft and made his way down the wide aisle to the premium cabin, Suite 1A had already been thoroughly claimed. The couple’s silk travel blankets were spread across the leather seats, the heavy privacy door was pulled half-closed, and their pre-departure champagne had already been poured. Leo knocked gently on the metallic partition, clearing his throat quietly.
“Excuse me—I think there’s been a slight mix-up here. This is Suite 1A, and it happens to be my assigned seat for the trip.” Julian rose immediately, his hand extended and his face radiating practiced warmth. “Ah—hello there, friend! I’m Julian, and this is my wife Beatrice. We did wonder if someone might come along. Here’s the situation—my wife suffers from severe, acute flight anxiety unless she is in a fully enclosed space directly beside me.”