Carl couldn’t believe it. He had spent days in high-stakes meetings and now, instead of a peaceful journey, he was being treated to a constant assault on his seat. The mother’s indifference stung even more than the kicks.
After a few more jolts, Carl reached a breaking point. He turned around and addressed the boy firmly, “Look, I really need to rest. Can you please stop?” The boy stared blankly. His mother finally looked up, annoyed. “Don’t talk to my child,” she snapped.