Chapter 10 - Above the Clouds
The aircraft climbed steadily through the fluffy white clouds, leveling off smoothly at cruising altitude thirty-five thousand feet above the earth. The soft cabin lights glowed warmly against the polished wood trim and leather accents of first class.
Ava leaned her head against the window, watching the endless expanse of blue sky stretch out beneath them like a polished ocean. The stress and chaos of the boarding gate felt a million miles away, replaced by the tranquil peace of flight.
Her phone buzzed gently in her lap.
She picked it up and unlocked the screen. A new message from her father was waiting for her.
Safe flight, sweetheart?
Ava smiled, her fingers dancing across the keyboard to reply.
Smoother than ever, Dad. Thank you.
A second later, her phone chimed with his reply.
Remember what I told you. No one ever gets to decide where you belong. Enjoy the trip, and I'll see you in New York.
Ava locked her phone and slipped it back into her burgundy handbag. On the tray table in front of her, a flight attendant had placed a complimentary glass of sparkling apple cider, garnished with a fresh slice of strawberry, accompanied by a handwritten note on airline stationery: Welcome aboard, Miss Carter. Enjoy the journey.
She took a small sip of the cider, letting the sweet, crisp taste refresh her. Around her, the first-class cabin was quiet, peaceful, and filled with the respectful hum of luxury. She looked out the window once more, watching the sun glinting off the silver wing of the plane.
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She had learned a valuable lesson that day—one whispered to her by her father and proven by life itself. Never let anyone make you feel small, and never let anyone convince you that your rightful place in the world belongs to them.
The plane soared onward into the bright, open sky, carrying her toward a future where she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that she belonged everywhere she chose to stand.
