But I still had no idea what was happening in the story.
I pulled out my phone and opened the newest photograph of Rose.
Marianne had sent another picture of her sleeping in that enormous knitted hat.
My expression softened.
I was traveling all this way to meet my granddaughter.
I wanted to arrive happy.
Excited.
Ready to hold her.
Not exhausted and limping through the airport because I’d spent hours twisted against an airplane
window.
I looked toward Josh’s leg.
“Josh, I’m going to ask you one more time. Would you please keep your leg on your side?”
He pulled off his headphones.
“Lady, haven’t we already discussed this?”
“Yes. And nothing has changed.”
“I’m tall. What do you expect me to do about it?”
“Move your knee.”
He laughed dismissively.
Then turned away.
For several seconds, I stared at him.
Then I pressed the flight attendant call button.
Josh noticed.
He looked up at the illuminated light.
And suddenly, I felt that old hesitation returning.
My finger hovered near the button.
I almost canceled the request.
But this time, I left it on.
Before the attendant arrived, Josh finally pulled his leg away.
“There. Happy now?”
I didn’t answer.
When the attendant reached our row, I lost my nerve again.
Instead of explaining the situation, I asked for water.
She brought me a
cup.
I thanked her.
Then sat there feeling disappointed in myself.
Within minutes, Josh’s leg was back against mine.
Nearly four hours after takeoff, Josh finally removed his headphones and unfastened his seat belt.
“Bathroom,” he announced.
Henry stood to let him pass.
I watched Josh disappear down the aisle.
Then, for the first time in hours, I stretched my legs.
The relief was immediate.
I could straighten both knees.
I could sit without twisting my hip.
I could finally move my shoulder away from the window.
“Oh, thank goodness,” I murmured.
Henry looked over.
I smiled weakly.
“You have no idea how good that feels.”
He glanced toward Josh’s empty seat.
“I think I have some idea.”
I looked at the space beside me.
Then I remembered something Josh had said earlier.
If you’re not using the space, what’s the problem?
Well, perhaps he could have as much room
as he wanted.
But he wasn’t going to get it by taking mine anymore.
