Seat 14B

Elena is fifty-two. She has never flown, and she is afraid. She wants to see her new grandson, who is three weeks old. In seat 14A there is a boy, Theo. He is eight, and he flies alone. "I have done this six times," he says. The plane shakes. Elena says, "Don't be afraid." Theo says, "I am holding your hand because you look scared." They laugh. At the airport her son holds the baby. "I flew," Elena says. "I flew for you."