“You Look Tired, Sir,” Said the Little Girl on the Plane—The CEO Didn’t Expect That She’d Change…
Holding On Through the Storm
She spoke with simple acceptance about a single mother stretched thin and a father who’d abandoned them. She focused on the love that remained rather than what was missing.
“What’s your name?” Christopher asked, realizing he should have asked this much earlier.
“Olivia Grace Thompson but everyone calls me Libby what’s your name?”
“Christopher Hayes.”
“That’s a fancy name can I call you Mr christopher?”
“Sure.”
Libby returned to her coloring and Christopher tried once again to focus on his work. But now his mind kept wandering.
He thought about Rebecca and the life they could have had if he’d been willing to make different choices. He thought about his empty penthouse apartment and his expensive car.
He wondered when success had started feeling so hollow. An hour into the flight the plane hit turbulence.
It was serious turbulence that made the aircraft drop suddenly and luggage compartments rattle. The seat belt sign dinged on urgently and Christopher felt his stomach lurch.
He heard a small gasp beside him and turned to see Libby gripping her armrests. Her knuckles were white and her face was pale with fear.
“It’s okay,” Christopher said automatically.
“It’s just turbulence the plane is fine.”
“I’m scared,” Libby whispered and he could see tears forming in her eyes.
Without thinking Christopher reached over and took her small hand in his. “Hey it’s all right i’m right here the pilots know what they’re doing.”
“This happens sometimes but we’re safe.”
Libby looked at him and Christopher saw her making a decision to trust him. She unbuckled her seat belt and climbed over into his lap.
She burrowed against his chest like a frightened kitten.
“Liby you need to be in your own seat with your…”
“Please,” she whimpered.
“Please let me stay my mommy holds me when I’m scared you can hold me like a mommy holds please.”
Christopher froze as rules about liability and boundaries flashed through his mind. The plane lurched again and this small child was terrified and alone.
He found himself wrapping his arms around her and holding her securely.
“It’s okay,” he murmured, feeling awkward but determined to comfort her.
“I’ve got you you’re safe just breathe okay in and out that’s it.”
Libby pressed her face into his suit jacket and took shuddering breaths. The turbulence continued for another 10 minutes and Christopher held her through all of it.
He felt her small body trembling and murmured reassurances that seemed to help both of them. When the turbulence finally subsided Libby didn’t immediately move.
She stayed curled against Christopher’s chest and he realized she’d fallen asleep. A flight attendant approached looking concerned.
“Sir she really should be in her own seat.”
“She was terrified during the turbulence,” Christopher said quietly.
“Let her sleep for a bit i’ll move her back once she’s deeper asleep.”
The attendant nodded and moved on. Christopher looked down at the sleeping child in his arms feeling something unfamiliar shifting in his chest.
When was the last time someone had trusted him like this? When was the last time he’d been needed simply for his presence and comfort?
His laptop sat forgotten on the tray table with spreadsheets still glowing. Christopher realized he didn’t care about them.
For the first time in years work didn’t seem like the most important thing. This moment of providing comfort felt more important than any financial projection ever could.
He held Libby for another half hour until her sleep was deep and steady. Then he carefully transferred her back to her own seat and buckled her in.
She stirred briefly but didn’t wake. Christopher closed his laptop and put it away.
He spent the rest of the flight thinking rather than working. He contemplated the conversation that had somehow cut through years of carefully constructed defenses.
As the plane began its descent Libby woke up. She looked around momentarily confused then saw Christopher and smiled.
“Hi Mr christopher did I fall asleep on you?”
“You did you were very tired.”
“Thank you for holding me when I was scared.”
“You’re a good holder like a daddy.”
Christopher felt his throat tighten.
“You’re welcome Libby.”
As they deplaned Christopher kept pace with the small girl. He made sure she safely met her aunt at the gate.
The woman was warm and friendly and she swept Libby up in a tight hug.
“Thank you for looking after her,” Diane said.
“Flight with a little one can’t have been easy.”
“She was wonderful company,” Christopher said and he meant it.
He looked at Libby.
“You be good for your aunt okay.”
Libby hugged his legs unexpectedly.
“Bye Mr christopher i hope you stop being so tired and I hope you get less sad because you seem like you should be happy.”
