“Lady, when you travel, you need to book TWO seats!” James sneered. The woman’s eyes filled with tears, but James was on a roll, especially when he noticed that her clothes were cheap and old-fashioned and her shoes were very worn. He said, “I guess your whole budget goes on nachos and hot dogs, right? So you can not afford two seats? Next time pass the hat, I’m sure all your fellow passengers will be very generous!” The woman turned her face to the window, and in the reflection, James could see the tears running down her cheeks. He was sipping the last of his wine.
A few minutes later, the captain’s voice came over the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. We will be delaying takeoff for just a moment. I have a passenger onboard who seems to be confused about the value of a seat.”
James smirked and elbowed the guy next to him. “Finally. They’re going to move her.”
Suddenly, the cockpit door opened. The Captain, a tall man with a stern jaw, walked down the aisle. The cabin went silent. He stopped right at James’s row. James sat up straighter, expecting a high-five or an apology for his discomfort.
Instead, the Captain looked down at James with eyes like ice. “Sir, I heard your comments about this lady’s financial situation. You mocked her worn-out shoes and her old clothes.”
“Well, look at her!” James sputtered, suddenly nervous. “She clearly doesn’t belong in this section.”
The Captain’s expression softened as he turned to the crying woman. He reached out and gently held her hand.
“You’re right,” the Captain said, his voice trembling slightly. “She hasn’t bought herself a new dress in twelve years. She wears those shoes until the soles fall off. Do you know why?”
James stayed silent.
“Because she spent every single penny she earned scrubbing floors and working double shifts to pay for my flight school,” the Captain declared, his voice rising so the whole plane could hear. “She isn’t just a passenger. She is my mother. And she is sitting in the First Class seat that I bought for her, because she deserves to be treated like a queen.”
The entire cabin erupted in applause. James turned bright red, shrinking into his seat.
The Captain turned back to James. “Now, since you seem so concerned about space and comfort, I’ve decided you’re right. You shouldn’t have to sit next to someone you disrespect.” He signaled to the flight attendant. “Please escort this man off my plane. I don’t fly with bullies.”
As James was led off the plane to the cheers of the other passengers, the Captain kissed his mother on the forehead. “I love you, Mom. Enjoy the flight.”
