Just minutes earlier, Jack was feeling positive. He had gotten ready for today’s flight, his first after some tough times. Being back in the cockpit was a good distraction, helping him focus on something other than his troubles.
His role as a pilot, the routine it offered, and the interactions with passengers had helped him find solace after the difficulties he had faced over the past year. Before boarding the plane, he had taken a deep breath and forced a smile onto his face. He had convinced himself that if he continued to feign happiness, eventually, he might start to believe it himself.