The boy looked back at him curiously. Carl continued, “I know it’s hard to sit still on planes. But how about we find something else fun for you to do? I have a pencil and a notebook you can use to draw.” Just as Carl reached for his bag to get the items, the boy’s mother leaned over sternly. “Excuse me, but do not speak directly to my child without my permission,” she said in an accusatory tone.
Taken aback, Carl stammered, “Oh, I was just trying to—” However, she cut him off. “I don’t know you, so don’t talk to my son. Talk to me,” she said with a hardened expression. Carl nodded, trying to hide his boiling anger. He had genuinely tried to find a peaceful solution, one that would engage the boy and provide respite from the kicking.