TrackFlights
Linda looked at me.
“I’ve gotten used to being rude first, so other people don’t have the chance to hurt me.”
I remembered the first few months after my husband’s death.
I remembered how I had shut myself inside the house, refused visitors, and sometimes didn’t even answer the phone.
I knew that kind of pain.
But that didn’t mean Linda’s behavior was acceptable.
“Linda, I’m very sorry about your daughter,” I said gently. “But you also need to understand that your pain doesn’t give you the right to treat other people badly.”
She nodded.
“I know. And I’m sorry.”
Just then, the flight attendant returned.
She was holding a small blue envelope.
“I found it. It had fallen beneath the seat and slid into the row behind you.”
Linda took the envelope with both hands.
She pulled out an old photograph and a small piece of paper.