The Boarding Gate

The international terminal was full of people trying to leave before the storm arrived.

Olivia moved through the queue with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how airports worked. Her elegant coat, polished shoes, and calm smile made the gate agent believe her before she even spoke.

Beside her, eight-year-old Sophie walked with her head down. Olivia held the girl’s passport and boarding pass in one hand and Sophie’s wrist in the other.

“She is my niece,” Olivia said. “Her mother is meeting us at the other end.”

The flight was minutes from closing. The agent lifted the scanner. Then Sophie pulled her hand free.