A few minutes after complaining about me over the phone, the woman expressed her sincere guilt for what she had done
I was aware of my poor appearance. I had a fever, chills, and a dry cough just before the flight. However, because the hotel was booked, the tickets were purchased, and meetings were set, there was no way to cancel the trip. All I could do was gather myself and board the aircraft.
In an effort to avoid disturbing anyone, I sat down quietly by the window. I got my water bottle out, set some Kleenex down, and got ready to sleep as soundly as possible for the next few hours.
However, just ten minutes after departure, a furious voice could be heard in the cabin:
— “This can’t stand it! He coughs all the time! I’m not going to tolerate this!
Across the aisle, a woman of about fifty swiveled her entire body in my direction and started yelling:
— “Are you affable? Why did you board this airplane in the first place?
I attempted a composed response:
– “I apologize. I will attempt to be more silent. I’m going to take some medication. If you find the sound bothersome, you can wear headphones.
– “I am not wearing any clothing! You’re wrecking my vacation right now! She yelled, grabbing everyone’s attention aboard.
She pressed the call button a minute later.
A youthful flight attendant came over grinning strainedly:
– “Good afternoon, is there a problem?”
The woman almost leaped from her chair:
— “He has a cough! He is ill! You must take action! By the way, I payed for my ticket!
After giving a courteous nod, the flight attendant left. A few minutes later, she reappeared, looking serious. She had obviously talked to the captain. The woman then started to feel bad about calling her in the first place.
— “We would prefer to settle this in the most convenient manner for everyone because we cannot jeopardize flight safety and the passenger is not feeling well. You can just switch chairs.
The woman’s face flushed instantly, and she yelled:
— “He is the reason I am not relocating! This seat was purchased by me!
The flight attendant gave me a calm look and said:
– “If you don’t mind, we can move you. There is a seat available for free.
— “Move me, of course! I don’t want to spend the entire flight listening to this! – The woman smiled contentedly.
I gave a nod:
— “All right. I’m fine with it if it helps.
The flight attendant remarked, “Perfect.” “Business class has the single available seat. You can unwind there. Drinks and dinner will be provided. Follow me, please.
The cabin was completely silent for a few seconds after I stood up.
I saw a glimpse of the woman’s face as I passed by; it froze, then twisted in hatred and rage. She mumbled something, but nobody was paying attention.
I was given a blanket, steaming tea with honey, and a tasty dinner after I took a seat in a large, cozy chair. Peace and contentment were to come for a few hours.
