I was six months pregnant, emotionally drained, and physically exhausted after the funeral of my beloved grandmother. Every step through the airport felt heavier than the last. By the time I finally boarded the plane, all I wanted was to sit down, close my eyes, and make it home.
I buckled my seatbelt, rested a hand on my belly, and took a shaky breath. For the first time all day, I felt like I might finally rest.Ten minutes after takeoff, a flight attendant stopped beside my row.“Excuse me, ma’am. Could you please come with me?” she asked.Her tone was polite, but firm enough that I didn’t feel like I had a choice. My stomach tightened as I stood and followed her toward the back of the plane. She led me into a small, empty crew room and shut the door behind us.
