When I first saw the woman sitting next to me, I knew immediately that this flight would be uncomfortable – even in the spacious First Class seat, I would be cramped.
When she tried to fasten her seat belt, her elbow caught me.
Careful! – I said sharply.
I’m sorry… I’m so sorry,’ she replied embarrassed.
But I wasn’t in the mood to forgive.
Really? Wouldn’t it be better to say, ‘I’m sorry for those 3,000 donuts you ate to get so fat?’ – I tossed to her.
The shock reflected in her eyes only fuelled my mood.
Madam, if you are travelling, buy two seats!
I saw her eyes fill with tears as she turned away, but she didn’t stop. Her cheap clothes and shabby shoes annoyed me and I continued to laugh that she was spending money on food rather than an extra seat.
Contents
- The humiliation continues
- An unexpected twist
- The moment of truth
- The true sorom
- A moment of realisation
The humiliation continues
When the stewardess approached with the drinks trolley, I tried to continue in a ‘joking’ manner.
Shake but don’t mix! – I said, imitating James Bond, and then added: -I don’t know what Moby Dick next to me will order….
The stewardess threw me a judgemental glance and then politely turned to the woman.
What would you like to drink? – she asked kindly.
A Diet Coke, please,’ the woman whispered, wiping away her tears.
Diet Coke? – I laughed. – Don’t you think it’s a little late for that?
An unexpected twist
Even during dinner, I didn’t stop my taunts.
Are you sure that’s enough for her? – I sneered. – It seems it takes a whole village to feed her!
The stewardess ignored me again, and I calmly continued eating. I was already thinking that this flight could not have been more boring, when suddenly the stewardess returned, but now with a smile.
The captain is a great admirer of yours and would like to invite you to the cockpit,’ she said to the woman next to me.
I watched in confusion as she stood up and walked forward. I didn’t realise what was happening, but I didn’t expect to be in for something completely unexpected.
The moment of truth
As the woman disappeared from sight, I mentally began to compose myself to mourn the airline. But then the captain’s voice came over the cabin speakerphone.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special guest on board today! If you’re watching I Love Opera. you will recognise the voice of Miss Andrea Molnar, who is flying with us to perform at a charity concert in support of the fight against hunger.
The cabin erupted in applause as the speakers played a few notes of her performance. I froze in place, realising who had just sat next to me.
A true sorom
A few minutes later the stewardess returned, but was now looking directly at me.
I don’t care how rich you are,’ she said coldly. – ‘If you insult her again, I’ll transfer you to economy class immediately.
Of course…I’m…sorry…’ I mumbled.
When Andrea returned, I hastily stood up, giving her my seat. As she sat back down, she said quietly:
I’m sorry if I was rude earlier. I didn’t know who you were,’ I said.
It doesn’t matter who I am,’ she replied sternly. – You can’t treat people like that. And you are not sincerely sorry. If I wasn’t known, you wouldn’t even think of apologising.
I had nothing to say.
You can’t judge people by their looks,’ she added. – You need to rethink your behaviour.
A moment of realisation
I spent the rest of the flight in silence. I was ashamed, and I realised that Andrea was absolutely right. I should learn not to judge people based on their appearance. That lesson will stay with me forever.
