The heavy brass seatbelt buckle clinked as she pulled it across her waist.

“I need help with the strap,” Sophie said.

I reached over and tightened the gray nylon belt until it lay flat across her lap.

I smoothed down the sleeve of her pink cardigan.

“Comfortable?” I asked.

Sophie nodded and pointed at the small oval window.

“I can see the men driving the little carts,” she said.

I turned to take seat two B on the aisle, holding my faded canvas bag by the top handle.