Alyssa had nearly reached her own row, a few seats behind, and stowed her small bag overhead. She was adjusting her phone to flight mode, preparing to sit down, when another attendant appeared at her side. Younger. Efficient. Clipboard tucked against her hip.
“Excuse me,” the attendant said. “These rows are already full. Where are you headed?” The question caught Alyssa off guard. She thought the answer was obvious. There was one seat still conspicuously empty. Most of the others had already been taken.