Gasps came from nearby passengers. “Oh my! I’m so sorry,” Carl said, feigning surprise. “Your son kicked my seat so hard it startled me.” The woman sputtered, dripping wet, trying to process what had just happened.
But the kicking stopped. The boy sat silently, and the mother had nothing more to say. Carl leaned back, finally undisturbed, staring out at the calm sea. It wasn’t how he imagined getting peace — but it worked.