I shook my head. “I’m good,” I replied. “My book turned out to be more interesting anyway.”
The boy reached over and handed me a sticker shaped like a little blue star, the kind kids collect on reward charts.
“For helping,” he said shyly. As we landed, I realized something simple but important: sometimes choosing kindness over being right creates a better journey for everyone. What began as a misunderstanding ended as a quiet reminder that empathy—especially in unexpected places—can turn strangers into allies and tension into connection.
