“Well, that’s not a very nice thing to say about a lady.”
Someone across the aisle snorted.
“GET IT AWAY FROM ME!” the woman screamed, waving for the flight attendant.
The attendant hurried over.
“What’s the problem, ma’am?”
“THAT!” The woman pointed at the doll. “I want that disgusting thing removed immediately!”
The attendant looked at the doll, then at me.
“Is this yours?”
“Yes, and I’m happy to secure her properly.”
The attendant explained that the toy itself wasn’t prohibited, provided it was safely secured.
With her permission, I returned briefly to buckle the doll into the seat.
“I can’t sit next to that horrible thing!” my neighbor protested.
“Ma’am,” the attendant replied patiently, “you requested that your previous seatmate move. She accommodated you.”
I smiled.
“Don’t worry. She’s much smaller than I am. You should have plenty of room now.”
Several passengers burst out laughing.
The woman’s face turned scarlet.
