I am a woman embarking on a journey back to my hometown to attend the funeral of a dear family friend, who was no less than a grandfather to me. The act of traveling itself typically fills me with stress, and this time, the burden of grief has exacerbated the situation significantly. I am also slated to speak at the funeral, and given that this departed friend was an extremely distinguished gentleman, one way I aim to honor him is by presenting myself in an impeccably sharp attire. I have my finest suit jacket and a formal skirt hanging on clothes hangers within a plastic garment bag, which I am carrying onto the plane. It is crucial to mention that the bag is opaque; thus, one can discern that I am carrying clothes based on the shape, but the specific items remain unknown.
As I am boarding the plane, a flight attendant catches sight of my bag and exclaims with an overly effusive cheerfulness:
Flight Attendant: “Oh! We have a small closet area here where I can stow that garment bag for you! So it doesn’t get all wrinkled in the overhead compartment!”
Me: *Rather glumly* “Sure, thanks.”
The attendant persists in her brightness, attempting to initiate a conversation to uplift my spirits.
Flight Attendant: “So, you must have a pretty dress in here! Going to a party?!”
Me: *Looking her dead in the eye* “No, a funeral.”
It felt as if I could audibly perceive the screech of a record in her mind. Her face assumed an expression of profound shock and horror as she grasped just how egregiously she might have offended me and contemplated how I might respond.
Naturally, I was aware of her good intentions, and I had no desire to cause her any trouble. So, I remained silent and made my way to find my seat. I felt a tinge of guilt upon seeing that look on her face, but after her irritating forced cheerfulness, it afforded me just enough petty gratification to chuckle to myself slightly and manage to get through the flight without further ado. I daresay she never made that kind of comment to anyone ever again!
