“Yes,” the attendant said. “Please.” Alyssa handed it over. The attendant read it once. Then again. Her face didn’t change immediately—but something in her posture did. Her shoulders stiffened, and her jaw became more set.
She handed the pass back without comment and said, “Please remain seated for now,” already stepping away. Alyssa watched her retreat toward the cockpit instead of continuing down the aisle. That detail lodged uncomfortably in her mind.