Elise stepped into the cabin with her daughter beside her, instantly aware of the restless energy pressing in from every direction. Something about the air felt charged—just oddly expectant, as though the flight held more weight than a routine trip should.
Passengers shuffled forward, impatient and cramped, but Elise’s attention drifted to an elderly man in a military jacket struggling to steady his small carry-on. The determination in his posture contrasted with the tremor in his hands, and something about the image pulled at her unexpectedly.
Before she even realized she was moving, Elise reached out to help. The bag lifted easily from his grasp, and the veteran looked at her with a startled softness, as if assistance was something he’d forgotten how to receive. Elise offered a quick smile, hoping to ease his embarrassment.