With life jackets in short supply, the director had no choice but to hand them out to the guests first. Even then, there were still two jackets missing.

Following the principle of “respect the elderly, care for the young,” the director gave the first jackets to Mira and Aloe.

Then he reached for Mr. Berry, but he waved him off. “Ladies first.”

Mr. Luca chimed in, “Exactly. They’re smaller and lighter. Let them go first.”

With both senior voices agreeing, Remi and Noah had nothing to argue.

The director moved down the line— Miss Manon, Helen, Hope, Quinn—all received jackets. When he reached Griffin, it was time to hand out...