Sandra approached with care, noticing the woman’s startled reaction swiftly shift to a pretense of interest in the scenery outside the window. In a gentle move, Sandra feigned a casual demeanor, subtly leaning forward. “I think this might be yours,” she softly said, presenting the pen, which she carefully placed on a small piece of paper on the woman’s tray table, making it appear unintentional.
With an awareness of the fleeting opportunity, Sandra swiftly added, “If there’s anything you need, feel free to jot it down, okay?” She infused her voice with a whisper of reassurance and warmth, encouraging the woman to communicate in secrecy if needed. Her eyes lingered on her, searching for any hint of response or comfort in her reaction. Yet, as she hoped to bridge the gap, Sandra spotted something moving out of the corner of her eye.