“We can’t understand how you made this booking.” The attendant added quickly, “Of course, it must all be a mistake.” She said it like a correction, or a clarification meant to soften the impact. It didn’t. The distinction only made the situation feel more unreal. Alyssa’s tired mind couldn’t process it. Alyssa asked, “Mistake? How?”
The flight attendant simply held Alyssa’s gaze, her expression steady and unmistakably serious, as if daring her to dismiss it. She said, “Let’s just wait for the captain to finish his announcement, and then I’ll explain more fully.” She walked away, promising to return.