Raquel’s Dream Job
Raquel Vingard had always loved traveling. Ever since she was young, she dreamed of visiting different places, exploring new cities, and experiencing life beyond her hometown. After high school, her mother encouraged her to find a job that involved travel. Without hesitation, she decided to become a flight attendant. It was the perfect choice—she could see the world while also helping people, something she truly enjoyed.
A Smooth Start
Once she completed her training, Raquel quickly settled into her new career. She loved everything about her job and knew she had made the right decision. For years, every flight went smoothly, but that changed on her 500th flight.
An Unsettling Feeling
That morning, Raquel woke up feeling unusually nervous. She couldn’t explain why, but something felt different. While she often felt a little anxious before flights, this time, the feeling stuck with her. She brushed it off, assuming it was just because she had reached an important milestone in her career.
A Familiar Crew
When she arrived at the airport, seeing her fellow crew members brought some relief. She had worked with many of them before and trusted them completely. They congratulated her on her 500th flight, making her feel supported. As they boarded the plane, she reminded herself that it was just a routine four-hour flight from Sacramento to Detroit.
Observing the Passengers
As passengers boarded, Raquel stood at the entrance alongside her colleague Phil. She greeted everyone with a smile, helping them find their seats. Some passengers caught her attention—an anxious young couple with a baby, a man dressed in all black who avoided eye contact, an older man mumbling complaints, and a particularly nervous woman who kept looking around as if she were being watched.
An Uneasy Start
Before takeoff, the flight attendants performed their final checks. The pilot announced that there would be turbulence due to windy conditions. Raquel didn’t like turbulence, but she had dealt with it before. However, on this flight, turbulence was the least of her concerns.
A Nervous Passenger
As the plane reached cruising altitude, Raquel checked on the passengers. The older man and the young couple seemed fine, but the nervous woman looked even more unsettled. She kept peering into the aisle, her expression tense.
Raquel approached her and quietly asked if she was okay. The woman hesitated before saying she was fine, though her body language said otherwise.
An Attempt to Help
Wanting to offer comfort, Raquel adjusted the woman’s seat and told her she would return soon with a drink. She hoped a warm cup of tea or coffee would help her relax. But deep down, she had a feeling that the woman’s distress wasn’t just about turbulence. Something else was wrong.
