And inside my carry-on, wrapped carefully in a blanket, was a very special surprise for my grandson, who adored scary movies and Halloween pranks.
My daughter always said, “Mom, sometimes I think I’ve got three children instead of two.”
I considered that a compliment.
I boarded the plane in excellent spirits and settled into my usual aisle seat. It made getting up easier, and I preferred having a little freedom to move without disturbing anyone.
Unfortunately, the woman sitting by the window seemed determined to ruin my good mood before we’d even taken off.
I smiled politely.
My seatmate looked about 40. She was skinny, impeccably dressed, and wore an expensive watch.
Her perfume was so strong I wondered whether she’d spilled the entire bottle on herself.
The moment I sat down, she looked me up and down, then sighed.
I smiled politely. She didn’t smile back.
“Wonderful.”
Before we’d even taken off, a baby started fussing a few rows behind us.
