She glanced over her shoulder.
Her eyes traveled from my braids to my sweatshirt, then down to my sneakers.
I recognized the expression.
It wasn't curiosity.
It was a judgment already completed.
She turned away.
And I followed the passengers onto the aircraft.
The First-Class cabin was smaller than I expected.
There were cream leather seats, polished trim, spacious armrests, and overhead bins designed for passengers who seemed determined to bring entire offices onto a short domestic flight. Soft light entered through the oval windows, illuminating a row of folded blankets and neatly arranged bottles of water.
A flight attendant stood near the entrance.
"Good morning. Welcome aboard."
I smiled and handed her my boarding pass.
She glanced at it.
"Seat 2A, Ms. Johnson. That's the window on your left."
"Thank you."
Her name badge read Elena.
She had kind eyes, neatly styled dark hair, and a calm manner that made her seem completely at home inside the narrow cabin.
I moved toward Row 2.
Victoria was already sitting across the aisle, adjusting the strap of her handbag. Her husband occupied Seat 2C, while she had Seat 2D beside the opposite window.
The aisle seat beside me, 2B, was still empty.
I placed my backpack beneath the seat, slipped into 2A, and fastened the seat belt while I waited for the rest of the passengers to board.
For a few peaceful seconds, I thought I might actually enjoy the flight.
Then Victoria spoke.
"Excuse me."
I looked across the aisle.
She was staring at me.
"Yes?"
"Are you sure you're in the right cabin?"
I blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
She smiled.
It wasn't a friendly smile.
"First Class is up here."
I looked around.
"I know."
Victoria leaned forward slightly.
"Then perhaps you should check your seat number."
I held up my boarding pass.
"2A."
Her smile tightened.
"May I see that?"
I hesitated.
I could feel Gerald looking down at his phone, pretending not to listen.
"Why?"
Victoria raised her eyebrows.
"Because there seems to be a mistake."
I looked at my ticket.
"I don't think so."
She laughed quietly.