They need a calm adult who tells the truth at a size they can carry.

I learned.

EPILOGUE — THE ANNOUNCEMENT

My son and I boarded my pilot husband’s flight to surprise him.

I imagined one ending.

Leo running toward the cockpit after landing.

Brandon laughing in disbelief.

A photograph.

Maybe the drawing taped somewhere inside his flight bag.

Instead, Brandon spoke through the cabin speakers and told another woman: