Stories

A Slim Woman Sitting Next to a Passenger Teased Her Weight Throughout the Flight and Kept Saying She Took up…

AQBy Avery QuinnOctober 23, 202613 min read

“Controlling what?”

The attendant looked toward me.

“Ma’am, if your doll has electronic features, could you please make sure they’re switched off? We need to let everyone rest.”

“Of course,” I replied sweetly. “Wouldn’t dream of disturbing anyone.”

The woman gave an outraged gasp.

The attendant looked toward me.

I tucked the remote deeper into my pocket.

But judging by the way she was glaring at the doll, my former neighbor wasn’t ready to let the matter go.

“I want that doll confiscated!” the woman demanded. “Put it somewhere I can’t see it!”

The flight attendant remained remarkably patient.

“That’s ridiculous!”

“Ma’am, we can’t confiscate a permitted toy simply because you dislike its appearance. Its electronic features will remain switched off.”

“That’s ridiculous! She’s been tormenting me!”

The attendant folded her hands.

“Ma’am, this passenger gave up her seat because you said you were uncomfortable. Since then, we’ve received several complaints about your shouting.”

“That lady hasn’t bothered anyone.”

The woman stared at her.

“So you’re taking her side?!”

“I’m trying to make sure everyone can enjoy the rest of their flight.”

A man sitting behind her leaned forward.

“That lady hasn’t bothered anyone since she moved. You’re the one waking everybody up.”

The woman stared at her.

Another passenger chuckled.

“At least the doll isn’t complaining about how much space it needs!”

Laughter rippled through the surrounding rows.

The woman looked around, apparently expecting someone to defend her.

“Then I’m moving!”

Nobody did.

“Fine!” she snapped. “Then I’m moving!”

The attendant checked for another available seat and directed her farther down the cabin.

My former neighbor snatched up her handbag and phone, muttering something about being trapped on an airplane full of lunatics.

“You’re a horrible woman.”

As she passed my row, she stopped and leaned toward me.

“You’re a horrible woman,” she hissed.

I gave her my warmest grandmotherly smile.

“And you have a wonderful Halloween.”

She marched away without another word.

She passed my row.

I watched her disappear behind the curtain separating the cabin sections.

Then I looked toward my old seat.

My little porcelain-faced friend was still sitting there, smiling.

For once, I couldn’t have agreed with her expression more.

Once the woman was gone, I caught the flight attendant’s attention.

“Of course, ma’am.”

“Would it be possible for me to return to my original seat?”

“Of course, ma’am. Just please keep the doll’s electronic features switched off and put it away.”

“Absolutely. She’s caused enough excitement for one night.”

I retrieved my little monster, tucked her safely into my carry-on, and settled back into my aisle seat.

I grinned.

For the first time since boarding, I could actually relax.

A few minutes later, the attendant brought me some water. She glanced at the tangled black hair sticking out of my bag.

“Your grandson must have quite a sense of humor.”

I grinned.

She laughed.

“Oh, he gets that from me.”

She laughed and continued down the aisle.

I leaned back, imagining my grandchildren’s faces when they saw their costumes and presents. I could practically feel their little arms wrapping around me.

Then I patted my carry-on affectionately.

I’d bought that doll to give my grandson the scare of his life. Turns out, it had already given me the best flight of mine.