The flight departed late. It was just a delayed pushback and a quiet takeoff into the evening sky. Alyssa watched from the terminal window as the plane lifted smoothly, safely, carrying everyone else onward without further incident or explanation.
Weeks later, Alyssa heard about it indirectly. Not from the airline at first, but from a clipped article shared online, then a hushed mention in an aviation forum. A quiet correction. A seat number that no longer existed. When the airline finally emailed her, the message was brief and careful.