TWO DAYS LATER.

Jessica looked for her seat number on the ticket she was holding just like every other person in the queue. Soon, a tiny smile touched her lips the moment she found it and saw that it was the window seat.

She advanced toward her seat and settled down and then dropped her handbag on her thighs. Smiling, she watched the people around her with sheer happiness.

She had decided to board an economic flight instead of her regular first class. She just wanted to be among the crowd; perhaps it would help draw away her persistent thinking.

Her smile widened when she saw two kids—a boy and...