You’re on a flight back to Los Angeles, where you and your mom live after being in Chicago at your dad’s for a week. It’s your first time flying alone, so naturally you’re nervous. The plane is almost full. Luckily, you get a window seat. After putting your stuff away, you see a boy about your age sitting on the seat beside you.

He gives you a small grin, then fastens his seatbelt and puts in one of his earbuds.

“You nervous?” He asks calmly as he stretches and readjusts his shirt.