Carry On Conversation

She stows her carry-on in the overhead compartment, then sits next to the window. Unfortunately, this is not a trip for pleasure. Nor is it for business.

Stacey sits quietly, barely acknowledging the large man who arrives to the middle seat and sits with a “thunk.” Fortunately, she’d clicked on her AirPods even before her seat belt. The soothing sounds of Mozart surround her, helping her swallow the tears that want to explode from her red eyes.

I will not cry. I will not cry. That has been Stac...