The Trip That Revolutionized Everything
Perhaps the way people stared made the airport feel colder than normal. I held onto my boarding card tightly, as though it were the only thing keeping me upright.
Even though my facial scar was still healing, it already seemed to have become an integral part of who I was. People began to notice the scar before they saw me anymore.
A month has passed since the mishap. an automobile acci:dent. As the airbag deployed, a piece of glass sliced across my face. The physicians stitched me up swiftly and expertly, but they were unable to stop the jagged mark from appearing.
According to my dermatologist, it’s early scar tissue. “It may never totally go away, but it will take time to fade.”
From my hairline, the scar extended across my cheek, past my brow, and ended just in front of my jaw. I would never be able to grow back part of my eyebrow. Where the wound had been deepest, there was a little imprint on my cheek.
I hid behind bandages for weeks because I was too scared to face my own image. Upon the removal of the bandages, I was forced to confront myself.
My pals made an effort to cheer me up. They would try to make me laugh by saying, “It makes you look badass.” “Like a warrior.”
I could feel those same looks again as I made my way down the tight aisle of the airplane. With my heart racing, I climbed into my window seat and put on my headphones in the hopes of a smooth flight.
The Pair That Only Observed My Scars
I woke up to the sound of acrid, agitated voices, so I guess I must have fallen asleep.
“You must be joking with me,” a man said.
With a heavy sigh, a woman said, “Tom, these are our seats.” “Just take a seat.”
I closed my eyes in the hopes that they would go away.
Then, albeit not low enough, the man’s voice lowered to a whisper.
Is this what we receive? Seats available at last next to— He paused.
“What comes next?” The woman’s tone was sharp as she pressed. A pause. Then, “Oh.”
I could feel her eyes on me, and my skin pricked.
“You must be kidding,” she whispered.
I forced myself to remain motionless and swallowed hard.
The words then struck like a slap.
“Hi, lady!” The man gave a bark. Slowly, I opened my eyes. He winced, then frowned. “Is there no way you could hide that?”
The woman pulled her sweatshirt up over her nose and screamed, “Tom.” That is abhorrent. How could they have allowed her to board in such a manner?
Stunned into stillness, I gazed at them.
“Exactly!” Tom gestured to me with his finger. “This is an open area! That is not necessary for anyone to see.
My face flushed. I wanted to explain—to let them know that I was powerless. that I didn’t choose to do it. However, nothing was said.
“Will you simply sit there?” The woman sneered. “Incredible.”
Then Tom gestured down a flight attendant while leaning into the aisle.
“Hey! Is there anything you can do? My girlfriend is going crazy.
The Stand of a Flight Attendant
The flight attendant stepped forward, her erect stance and unreadable countenance.
Calmly, “Is there a problem, sir?” she said.
“Yes, there is an issue,” Tom yelled. “Observe her!” He waved at me as if I were a freak show exhibit. It’s causing my girlfriend distress. Is it not possible to relocate her to the rear or something?
The attendant looked at me for a moment.
“Every person has a right to their seat, sir. Do you need my assistance with anything else right now?
“I told you!” he yelled. That’s how she looks when she sits there. It’s repulsive. She ought should have to hide it or relocate.
The woman added, “I can’t even look at her. I’ll throw up.”
The flight attendant’s tone became steely as she straightened. “Please lower your voices, sir or ma’am. It is wrong to act in this manner.
Tom laughed. How about her? Scaring people while sitting there—
Ignoring him, the attendant turned to face me. “Are you okay, Miss?”
I gripped the armrests so tightly that my knuckles hurt while I nodded rigidly.
Before heading into the cockpit, she reassured me, “I’ll be right back.”
With their arms crossed in exasperation, the couple murmured to themselves. The passengers around us were quiet, but I could sense that they were paying attention.
“We’ve received reports of conduct on this aircraft that is inconsistent with the polite atmosphere we aim to uphold. To be clear, any form of discrimination or harassment will not be accepted. Please be respectful of your fellow travelers.
The air became less tense. Some glanced to row five in disapproval as others whispered.
She firmly stated, “Mr. and Ms., you must relocate to seats 22B and 22C at the rear of the aircraft.”
Tom’s head jerked upward. “What?”
“This cannot be negotiated,” she declared. “This flight has been disrupted by your behavior, and we need to make sure that everyone is comfortable.”
“This is ridiculous,” the woman spat. “Why are we the ones being punished?”
The attendant remained calm. “Your new seats are waiting.”
I bit my lip, holding back tears. Not from embarrassment this time—but from something else entirely.
Relief.
A Seat in Business Class
The flight attendant turned back to me, her expression kind.
“Miss, I want to apologize for what happened. No one should have to go through that.”
I nodded, my throat too tight to speak.
“We have an open seat in business class,” she continued. “We’d like to move you there as a gesture of goodwill. Would that be alright?”
I hesitated. “I don’t want to cause trouble.”
Her smile was gentle. “You’re not causing trouble. Please. Let us take care of you.”
I swallowed hard and nodded.
Minutes later, I settled into my new seat. The attendant brought me a warm cup of coffee and a small bag of cookies.
“If you need anything, just press the call button,” she said softly before leaving me to rest.
I stared out the window, the clouds a soft, endless sea beneath us. My breathing slowed. The knot in my chest loosened.
For the first time in weeks, I let myself cry.
I thought about my friends’ words—how they told me I was still me, scars and all.
“You’re still beautiful,” one had said. “You’re just fierce now, too.”
I looked out at the endless horizon and wiped my tears away. The plane moved forward, cutting through the sky like a promise.
And for the first time in a long while, I felt something new.
Hope.
