Elijah noticed.
"She knew who you were."
"Probably."
"But she acted normal."
"That's her job."
"Good."
The crew was different from the one six months earlier.
One flight attendant introduced herself as Jessica and greeted Elijah at eye level without making a performance of kindness.
"If you need anything, let us know. Bathroom's forward of row eight and another one's in the back. Seatbelt sign means stay seated unless it's an emergency. Otherwise you're free to move around when the aisle is clear."
Elijah nodded seriously.
"Okay."
Naomi almost smiled at the precision of the explanation.
That was one of the training changes. Give children clear rules before they need them. Do not make them guess what authority wants.
They took their seats.
Elijah opened a new astronomy book.
His grandmother pulled out a crossword puzzle.
Naomi watched the cabin fill.
She could not stop herself from inspecting.
Old habits.
A white passenger asked to move seats and was given the same explanation as a Latino passenger who asked five minutes later. A woman who spoke English slowly was not rushed. An elderly man became confused about his row and a flight attendant walked him there without grabbing his arm.
Small things.
Ordinary things.
Exactly the point.
Thirty minutes after takeoff, Elijah looked at Naomi.
"I have to go."
Her heart reacted before her face did.
"Okay."
He looked toward the aisle.
The seatbelt sign was off.
"Do you want me to come?"
He hesitated.
"Can I go by myself?"
Naomi wanted to say no.
Every protective instinct she possessed screamed for control.
Lila's voice appeared in her memory.
Safety is not teaching him that danger disappears when his mother is present. Safety is helping him trust his own judgment again.
"Yes."
Elijah unbuckled.
He stepped into the aisle.
Naomi watched without pretending not to.
Jessica was near row nine. She saw him coming and moved the cart slightly to create room.
"Need to get through?"
"Yes, ma'am. Bathroom."
"Go ahead."
That was it.
No special treatment.
No recognition.
No drama.