She realized then that all the crew seemed unprepared for her presence for some reason. The captain’s voice filled the cabin just then, smooth and steady, announcing a minor technical delay. Nothing serious. Just a few extra minutes. Alyssa listened for cracks beneath it, for something unsaid hiding between the practiced phrases.
He added that no one would be deplaning for the moment and asked all passengers to remain seated. The request landed heavier than it should have. Not a suggestion. A rule. Alyssa noticed how quickly everyone obeyed, how easily they accepted being told to stay exactly where they were.