Then Elena reached toward the wings pin on her uniform.
She had received it years earlier, after one of the proudest milestones of her career. It was not an expensive object, but she had kept it through countless moves, long trips, and difficult days.
She gently removed it and held it out.
“I’d like you to have this.”
Sophie’s eyes widened.
“Really?”
“Really. But I have one condition.”
The girl immediately became serious.
“What?”
“Keep learning. Keep asking questions. And remember that you don’t have to prove your dreams to everyone. You just have to give yourself the chance to pursue them.”
Sophie accepted the pin with both hands.
Her mother covered her mouth.
“Captain, that’s incredibly generous.”
Elena smiled.
“She gave me something first.”
“What did she give you?” Sophie asked.
Elena looked at the girl, then at the little drawing still tucked into her flight bag.
“A reminder.”
