Sue wasn’t afraid of flying—until that day.

Returning from a psychology seminar, she had boarded a small regional plane, expecting a sleepy, uneventful ride. The runway was quiet, the terminal even quieter. Yet, the announcement that came made everyone murmur:

“Due to unexpected wind patterns, departure is delayed by approximately 45 minutes.”

Sue frowned. There was no storm. No dramatic clouds. Just a mischievous spring breeze that played with her hair as she looked out at the empty tarmac.

Beside her, a tall, slightly unshaven man in a buttoned navy coat raised a brow.

“That’s strange. There’s only one aircraft on the runway. Ours.”

Sue turned toward him. He looked calm. Intrigued, not worried. “You fly a lot?” she asked.

He offered a quick smile.

*“I study the minds of people who do. Aviation psychology.” He extended a hand.

“Dr. Elias Thorn.”

“Sue. I'm a psychologist too but Sport psychologist” she replied

Then, as if on cue, the gate opened again.

“Flight 482 now boarding.”

Sue blinked. “Did the wind leave?” Dr. Thorn chuckled. “Or someone stopped caring.”