She stood and stepped into the aisle. Heads turned as she walked forward, past rows of watching faces. She walked quickly, sighing both in desperation and relief. Relief at knowing the reason at last and irritated that now she’d need to do another booking and figure out the logistics.
The aircraft door reopened with a muted hiss, and a rush of cold air swept through the cabin, sharp and real. Alyssa stepped back onto the jet bridge without looking behind her. The door closed again just as softly, sealing the plane away as if she had never been part of it.