I moved my handbag from the middle seat.
“For the next six hours, apparently.”
He chuckled.
“I’m Josh.”
“Celeste. Nice to meet you.”
He glanced at my window.
“You got the best seat.”
“My daughter chose it for me. She thought I’d enjoy the view.”
“Smart daughter.”
The older gentleman in the aisle seat introduced himself as Henry.
He carried a paperback and had the kind of calm expression that immediately made me feel comfortable.
“Heading on vacation?” Henry asked.
I shook my head.
“Something even better. I’m going to meet my first granddaughter.”
Both men smiled.
“Congratulations!” Henry said.
“Thank you. I’ve seen so many pictures already that I feel like I know her.”
We all laughed.
I settled into my seat feeling optimistic.
Maybe the trip wouldn’t be so difficult after all.
Unfortunately, that pleasant feeling lasted approximately twenty minutes.
Shortly after takeoff, Josh shifted in his seat.
