Ava, a single mother, was already exhausted when she boarded a long flight with her 14-month-old son, Shawn. From the moment they took their seats, Shawn cried nonstop, drawing uncomfortable stares from nearby passengers. Ava tried everything—rocking him, giving him his favorite toy—but nothing worked. The exhaustion and embarrassment weighed heavily on her. She wondered if flying had been a mistake, though visiting her ill mother made the trip necessary.
About an hour into the flight, a friendly man named David, seated across the aisle, offered to help. He claimed to understand, saying he had a daughter the same age. Desperate for a short moment of rest, Ava agreed—keeping Shawn within sight. To her relief, Shawn calmed down while David gently held him. Ava finally relaxed, hoping to catch her breath.
