But nobody moved quickly.
People had heard the announcement.
People had seen Caleb crying.
People knew something was happening.
Natalie came directly toward us.
“Captain Reed is asking you to remain seated until the cabin clears.”
I laughed once.
It didn’t sound like me.
“Captain Reed can ask whatever he wants.”
Caleb clung to my sleeve.
So I stayed.
Not for Darius.
For my son.
The cabin emptied gradually.
Soon only crew remained.
Then the cockpit door opened.
Darius stepped out.
He saw me.
I have never watched someone’s face change so completely.
Color disappeared from his skin.
His mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
Then he saw Caleb.
“Daddy?”
That one word destroyed him.
Darius moved forward.
“Caleb—”
My son stood.
For half a second, I expected him to run into his father’s arms.
Instead, Caleb stepped behind me.
Darius stopped.
His eyes filled.
“Maya.”
“Don’t.”
