When I got to my place on the plane, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. Everyone around me seemed to be interested in my scars, which were from a recent car accident. It was hard to get rid of the feeling of self-consciousness when people stared at me.
That’s when the couple sitting next to me decided to let me know they were. They made loud comments about how I looked and told me to cover my face or move to a different spot. Their mean words hurt a lot, and tears started to come to my eyes.
Then, though, something strange happened. The flight attendant spoke up and told the couple in a calm but strong voice that what they were doing was wrong. That every passenger has the right to be treated with respect and honour, she told them again.
It was clear what the couple would do: they got defensive and angry. The flight attendant didn’t give up, and in the end she moved them to a different spot in the back of the plane.
As they left, something very interesting took place. The other people on the bus started to cheer, showing that they agreed with me and didn’t like how the couple was acting. It was a small act of kindness, but I really appreciated it.
The flight attendant then offered me a place in business class, which made me feel sorry for her and thankful for her kindness. I felt calm as I took my new place. I felt like I could breathe again for the first time in weeks.
As the plane flew through the sky, I couldn’t help but think about how powerful kindness and care can be. It’s easy to forget that we can all make a difference in a world that sometimes seems mean and unwilling to forgive. We can look the other way when terrible things happen, or we can stand up for what’s right.
I felt hopeful in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time as I looked out the window at the endless clouds.
