As Ellie's senior year came to a close, she eagerly anticipated the start of a new chapter in her life. After obtaining her GED and graduating, she knew that in a few short days, she would be leaving for New York to join her father, James, and stepmother, Jessie.


North Hollywood High had been a place where Ellie thrived. Excelling as the head of the cheerleading squad, acing her classes, and shining in drama, she embraced every moment. Her passion for acting was nurtured by her supportive drama teacher, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams beyond high school. With lead roles in renowned Shakespearean plays like Romeo and Juliet and Othello, Ellie's talent was undeniable, fueling her aspirations of becoming a Broadway star.


On the memorable night of her prom, Ellie attended with her closest friends, Missy and Makayla, creating a unique trio. Her popularity among her peers resulted in Ellie being crowned prom queen, alongside Josh, the most sought-after guy in school, who became prom king.


Though Ellie had her fair share of admirers, her focus remained on her future in New York. As she planned her college endeavors, she searched for institutions that would allow her to continue honing her acting skills and pave the way for her Broadway dreams—a passion she had harbored since childhood.


Despite her awareness of being an alluring young woman, blessed with flowing brunette hair, captivating emerald green eyes, a radiant olive skin tone, and a breathtaking figure, she chose not to flaunt it. Every time she strolled through the school corridors or even cast a passing glance at the guys, she had the power to render them weak at the knees. However, she refrained from embracing that attention, knowing that she would soon bid farewell to this familiar realm and embark on a new journey, brimming with excitement.


Ellie resided in Valley Village, alongside her mother Francesca, her younger sister Zoe, and her stepfather Leo. However, her relationship with Leo had never been harmonious. Recognizing that a move to New York would present her with an excellent opportunity to pursue a career in theater and escape from him, Ellie eagerly anticipated the change.


A few months prior to her graduation, she submitted her application to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. After patiently awaiting a response, she finally received an acceptance letter just a few days before a crucial decision had to be made. Upon discussing her options with her mother, Ellie made the difficult choice to decline the offer. While her mother had hoped for Ellie to follow in her footsteps and pursue an acting career in Hollywood, just as she had during her own teenage years, Ellie's heart was firmly set on New York. Fortunately, her mother understood and supported her decision.


Francesca Hoffman, Ellie's mother, was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. She had shared the stage with renowned actors like Romy Schneider and Steve McQueen during the vibrant era of the 1960s and 1970s. Ellie's parents had met through mutual friends in the mid-60s when James worked as one of the Executive Editors at Los Angeles Magazine. Within a year of dating, they exchanged vows on the picturesque shores of Malibu beach, celebrating their union with a grand ceremony attended by over five hundred guests.


Following the joyous occasion, they embarked on a three-week honeymoon in Hawaii, creating cherished memories together.


Their love had always appeared unbreakable, their affection evident during the glamorous soirées where they clung to each other's side. Hence, the announcement of their divorce a decade later came as an utter shock to everyone. In the span of those ten years, they had welcomed two remarkable daughters into the world: Ellie and Zoe, with three years separating the siblings.


The cause of their separation stemmed from James's growing suspicion that Francesca was engaged in an affair with one of her co-stars from her latest film. Francesca vehemently denied the allegations, yet James's doubts persisted. One fateful evening, after arranging for their neighbor to look after Ellie and Zoe, he made his way to the studio to investigate further. What he discovered there shattered his trust completely—Francesca and her co-star locked in a compromising position, confirming his worst fears.


Despite attempting counseling for a brief period, the efforts proved futile as James struggled to find it within himself to forgive and trust Francesca once again. Consequently, divorce became the inevitable outcome.

Several months after the divorce was finalized, James received a job offer at Advance Publications located on Staten Island, New York. While leaving his beloved daughters behind pained him, Francesca had been granted full custody, and she made it exceedingly difficult for James to maintain a close relationship with them.


During one of Advance Publications' Christmas parties, fate intervened as James crossed paths with Jessie, the CEO's daughter, who happened to be fifteen years his junior. Despite encountering disapproval from Jessie's father, George Harper, James and Jessie's connection deepened. Within two years of dating, they defied the odds and tied the knot.


Over the years, Ellie and Zoe had limited opportunities to see their father due to their mother's actions. However, as Ellie neared her 18th birthday, she realized that she possessed the agency to make her own decisions. With her sights set on New York and the pursuit of her dreams, she understood that the time had come to assert her independence.


As Ellie meticulously organized her locker for the final time, a gentle tap on her shoulder diverted her attention. She swiveled around, finding herself face to face with Josh, the esteemed prom king and the Huskies' star quarterback.


"Hey there, gorgeous," he greeted her in a relaxed tone.


"Hey," she replied, shutting the locker door before fully focusing on him. "What's going on?"


"I was just curious about what your plans are before you embark on your journey to New York," he inquired, playfully twirling a lock of her hair around his fingers.


"Could you please not do that?" she requested, gesturing towards the strand he was toying with.


"Oh, sorry about that." He swiftly untangled his fingers from her hair.


In response to Josh's question, Ellie answered, "I'm just finishing up packing my remaining belongings."


Curiosity sparked within him as he inquired, "When are you leaving?"


"My flight is scheduled for Saturday. Why do you ask?" she replied, intrigued by his sudden interest.


With a wink, he proposed, "I was thinking it would be nice to have a little gathering at my place before you leave. I'm throwing a graduation party tonight, and I know everyone will be there."


Understanding his insinuation, Ellie shook her head and firmly declined, saying, "I don't think so, Josh. I have too many tasks to complete before my departure." She then brushed past him, striding towards the school entrance where her friends, Missy and Makayla, awaited her on the steps.


As he persisted, pleading for her to reconsider, she felt a surge of frustration. Reluctantly, she halted in her tracks, causing him to do the same.


"Please," he implored. "It's going to be an unforgettable night. My parents won't be around. Think about all the amazing times we've had together and how we can create one last incredible memory before you leave."


She took a deep breath, meeting his gaze with a firm expression. "What 'amazing times,' Josh?" she retorted, emphasizing the word. "Just because we were crowned prom king and queen doesn't automatically mean we shared enjoyable moments. And there will never be a so-called 'great' night between us, ever." She paused, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "I'm sure the fact that you couldn't achieve your desired outcome bothered you. Let it go. I'm certain there will be plenty of girls to choose from at your party, not to mention the allure of UCLA."


With that, she turned away, resolute in her decision, and continued on her path to join Missy and Makayla, leaving Josh behind to contemplate her words.


Josh held onto the dream of securing a scholarship to UCLA, envisioning himself one day achieving fame as an NFL football star, much like his idol, Jim McMahon. Football was his passion, much like Broadway acting was Ellie's. Their paths diverged in their pursuits, yet both possessed an unwavering dedication to their chosen fields. Josh proudly cheered for the Chicago Bears and eagerly attended several live games throughout the September to late December season, often accompanied by his father.


"Maybe so, but you know there won't be anyone quite like you, Ellie," he replied, attempting to refute her abrupt accusation about other girls.


"Thanks for the invitation, but as I mentioned before, I have other commitments," Ellie responded.


Mocking her, he retorted, "Oh, like packing up your last few things?" Her only response was to stride away, leaving him standing there, gazing after her in disbelief. "Come on, Ellie! You're going to regret not being there!" he called out as she exited the building.


With that, she turned away, resolute in her decision, and continued on her path to join Missy and Makayla, leaving Josh behind to contemplate her words.


His words echoed after her, but Ellie remained resolute in her decision, not looking back. The allure of Josh's party couldn't sway her determination to prioritize her impending journey and the pursuit of her dreams.


Upon leaving the school premises for the final time, Ellie stood with her friends, Missy expressing her fascination. "What was that all about?" she questioned, perplexed by Josh's behavior.


Ellie shrugged, dismissing it as inconsequential. "Just Josh being himself, nothing important."


Makayla, intrigued by the situation, inquired, "Is he still attempting to win you over after all these years?"


"It certainly seems that way," Ellie replied, a touch of resignation in her voice. "But let's not dwell on it. Come on, let's go. Our time here at North Hollywood has reached its conclusion. Exciting things await us, girls."


Hand in hand, they descended the stairs, making their way towards Ellie's car. As they settled into her Dodge Shelby, a gift she had received on her sixteenth birthday, Makayla spoke up again, once they were seated and buckled up. "I can't fathom why you didn't give Josh a chance," she sighed. "I would have given anything to be in your shoes."


Ellie contemplated her friend's words for a moment, then simply smiled and started the engine. She knew that her heart's desires lay elsewhere, and she was determined to pursue her own path, even if it meant disappointing others along the way.


As Ellie turned the key, the engine sprang to life, emitting a distinct gurgle from the aging tailpipe—a telltale sign of its years of use. However, today was not its last, as the faithful vehicle continued to serve Ellie on her chosen path. Determined and focused, she prepared to embark on her journey.


Reflecting on her friend's earlier comment, Ellie couldn't help but voice her thoughts. "Perhaps it's because I know the kind of person he truly is," she began. "I've heard rumors that he's been involved with every cheerleader except for me. Why would you want to be with someone like that, Makayla? He's a womanizer who would hurt you without a second thought." Gazing at Makayla through the rear-view mirror, she continued, her tone filled with concern. "Promise me you won't be swayed if you happen to come across him at UCLA?"


Makayla met Ellie's gaze, taking a moment to process her words. Eventually, she nodded, her expression conveying a mix of gratitude and realization. "You're right, Ellie. I see it now. I promise I won't chase after someone who would only bring me pain."


Satisfied with her friend's response, Ellie shifted her focus back to the road ahead. With determination in her eyes and a sense of unity amongst her companions, they set off on their respective journeys, ready to face the challenges and adventures that awaited them.


Despite their best efforts, Ellie's presence seemed to overshadow her friends when it came to catching the attention of guys. Even during outings like a trip to the local mall for milkshakes, where countless eyes were fixed on her, Ellie remained oblivious and unconcerned.


Ellie's friendship with Missy and Makayla blossomed instantly when she joined North Hollywood High. Prior to that, she had attended a private school in Calabasas, a half-hour drive away, while Missy and Makayla had their own experiences at Reseda Elementary, just a twenty-minute journey from Ellie's previous school. The paths that led them together were different, but fate had united them at North Hollywood High, forging a bond that surpassed any geographical divide.


After school, the girls would often gather and spend their afternoons engrossed in conversations about life and their aspirations for the future. Ellie's dreams of pursuing a career in Broadway were widely known and shared among them. They would eagerly discuss her passion for acting, her aspirations to grace the stage, and the incredible journey she hoped to embark upon.


With genuine support and camaraderie, Missy and Makayla listened intently, offering words of encouragement and inspiration. They understood the significance of Ellie's dreams and shared in her excitement for what lay ahead. As they whiled away the hours, their conversations became a source of inspiration, motivation, and unwavering friendship, strengthening the bond between these three young women who dared to dream big.


In contrast to Ellie's aspirations for Broadway, Missy harbored different dreams that were uniquely her own. Her ultimate goal was to marry a wealthy man and settle down in Montana, a place she held dear to her heart. Farm life captivated her, and she found solace in the simplicity and beauty of the countryside. During summer vacations, she would visit her sister, savoring the tranquil moments and indulging in horseback rides that painted the sky with breathtaking sunsets. These serene experiences allowed her imagination to wander freely.


Missy saw UCLA as the stepping stone to a future career in medicine. Her passion for animals compelled her to focus on veterinary medicine, with the hope of dedicating her life to caring for sick animals. Through her studies and practical experiences, she aimed to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Eventually, when she found herself residing in Montana, she aspired to assist those who are unable to communicate.


Makayla held a singular dream in her heart — to become a renowned singer, with the iconic Madonna serving as her ultimate inspiration. Determined to hone her vocal talents, she devoted her evenings to private singing

lessons, immersing herself in the pursuit of her passion. Yet, she also recognized the importance of education, and her studies would lead her to the field of Psychology at UCLA.


After a brief interlude of silence, Ellie broke the ice, her voice filled with anticipation. "So, where shall we go, ladies? It's too early to head home."


"Hey, why don't we head over to Westfield Fashion Square? We can shop till we drop," Missy suggested.


“Great idea! Retail therapy is just what I need, especially since I require some stylish outfits before my trip to New York,” she replied eagerly. With that, she pressed the gas pedal on her Dodge, shifted gears, and drove straight to the mall.


Whenever the three girls came together, saying that they shopped until they dropped would be an understatement. Without fail, they spent a minimum of two hours at the mall, indulging in everything from trying on and purchasing clothes and makeup to enjoying delicious food and drinks.


Several hours later, following a satisfying meal and successful shopping for a couple of summer dresses, Ellie kindly dropped off Missy and Makayla at their houses, which happened to be conveniently located just a few blocks away from her residence. The following morning, the trio had exciting plans to reunite for breakfast at Hugo's Studio City, intending it to be a heartwarming farewell for Ellie.


As soon as she stepped through the front door, she was taken aback to see her mom sitting at the dining table, accompanied by Leo. It was a familiar sight to find her mom with a glass of wine in front of her, regardless of the time of day.


"Hello, sweetheart. How does it feel now that you're no longer in high school?" her mom inquired, sipping from her glass of wine.


"Great," she replied, struggling to speak, particularly with Leo's presence. Whenever he was around, he seemed like a leech, and being with him was unbearable for her.


While she was on her way upstairs, her mother called out to her, requesting her to take a seat before going further. "Before you head upstairs, we need to speak with you. Can you please come and sit down?" Her mother pulled out a chair for her, signaling her to sit.


With a sigh, she complied, taking a seat as instructed. She placed her backpack on the table in front of her and immediately asked, "What is it, Mom? I have to pack, and why are both of you home anyway? Shouldn't you be at work?" She glanced from her mother to Leo, curious about the unexpected situation.


In reply, Francesca began, “We need to talk because both Leo and I,” she gestured towards herself and Leo, "have decided that we don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go to New York anymore.”


Without a moment's hesitation, Ellie stood up abruptly. "Why?" she questioned passionately. "I'm almost eighteen years old now. Despite your wish for me to stay here and pursue acting like you, that's not what I want. My dream is to live with Dad and Jessie and become a star on Broadway. It's been my dream for as long as I can remember, and you're well aware of that. Why are you against my decision now? I thought you were supportive of me going," Ellie asked, a hint of confusion and disappointment in her voice.


“Honey, I know I supported your decision before, but now we are considering what’s best for you. Staying here in L.A. offers more stability for your future,” her mother explained gently. “You only took drama classes at school and appeared in three plays.”


“Ten plays, Mom. I starred in ten plays, not three. And even though I won’t be attending Academy of Art University, I’m confident I’ll do well in New York,” Ellie asserted.


Her mother’s curiosity peaked as she took another sip of wine, leaning in to hear Ellie’s response. “Is that because your drama teacher said so?”


"Yes, and I believe in myself too," Ellie replied firmly.


"Well, you can become a good actor here too. My connections in L.A. are excellent," her mother added, trying to persuade her.


“My best interests are what I want, and what I want is to go to New York. Neither of you can stop me,” Ellie declared with determination.


Just as Ellie was about to leave, Leo reached out and grabbed her arm gently. “Consider your mom’s advice, Ellie. She genuinely knows what’s best for you,” he urged with sincerity.


"Let go of my arm," Ellie demanded, and Leo released his grip without hesitation. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to pack."


"Ellie, you are not leaving. I already told your dad not to expect you on Saturday," her mother declared.


"You did what? How could you do that? Stop dictating my life! Leave me alone!" Tearfully, Ellie stomped up the stairs to her room, slamming the door behind her. Her heart sank, and she couldn't control her tears, wondering how this had happened to her. She had been eagerly anticipating the day she could leave L.A. and move to New York, but once again, her mother was interfering, probably because Leo was involved.


Several hours later, there was a knock on her bedroom door. "Honey, dinner is ready." However, there was no response. Francesca knocked again, still receiving silence. "You shouldn't punish yourself by not eating, Ellie. I cooked your favorite for you."


The door jerked open suddenly, and Ellie's voice was firm. "Don't think you can bribe me with my favorite meal and expect me to forgive you." She shut the door in her mother’s face and locked it.


"Ellie, open this door right now," Francesca pleaded, banging on it. Ellie put on her earphones, listening to her music, and ignored her mother's pleas. "Okay, suit yourself."


As Ellie held her boarding pass in her hand, sadness washed over her. The American Airlines ticket indicated her flight from LAX to JFK, departing on June 22, 1985. She had been so excited when her mom purchased it two months ago, eagerly awaiting the day she would leave for New York. All she wanted was to make it to Broadway.


Now, in just three days, she was supposed to board that plane, but it felt like a distant dream. She needed to talk to her dad and find out what was happening. The last time they spoke, he was just as excited to have her there as she was to go. Could he have changed his mind so quickly?


Checking the time, Ellie saw it was a little after 8 PM, which meant it was a little after 11 PM in New York. Her dad was likely still awake, either watching TV or working in his study. Realizing she had left her backpack with her cell phone in the dining room, Ellie decided to wait until her mom and Leo were asleep before making the call. She hoped that talking to her dad would shed some light on the situation and possible store her dream of going to New York.


A few years earlier, Francesca had to end her acting career after a fall during one of her action movies. The accident resulted in a broken arm and a concussion, confining her to a cast for six long weeks. Even after her physical injuries healed, she continued to suffer from constant headaches, which sometimes persisted for days. Concerned about her well-being, her doctor recommended a brain scan, which fortunately came back with no abnormalities. He prescribed ibuprofen and advised her to take it easy for the next few weeks.


Following the incident, Francesca decided to explore a different career path and became a Personnel Assistant at Universal Studios. She worked for a director named Harold Masterton, who seemed to take a particular interest in her, as observed by Ellie.


Her mother was always an early sleeper, even though she held the position of a PA and had to be ready for work the next day. Despite her demanding job, Francesca made an effort to get as much rest as possible. In Ellie’s eyes, her mom always managed to look her best effortlessly. In contrast to Ellie her olive skin tone and striking emerald green eyes gave her a distinct beauty, and even after having two children, she maintained a great shape.


As Ellie climbed out of her bed, she cautiously unlocked and opened her bedroom door, peering down the hallway while listening intently. The faint sound of talking from their bedroom suggested that they were either already in bed or about to retire for the night.


Ellie paced back and forth in her bedroom, contemplating her next move. She was determined to go to New York, regardless of her mother's objections. After a moment of deep thought, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She knew she had to find a way to make this trip happen without causing too much conflict with her parents.


After an hour, it grew silent. Throughout the house, the lights went out, signifying that they had fallen asleep. As she knew that steps five and seven creaked, she deliberately stepped over them in order to avoid being heard. Downstairs, she pulled her cell phone from her bag, headed to the kitchen, and called her dad in New York. As Ellie was about to disconnect the call, her dad answered, "Hello."


"Dad, it's Ellie," she whispered softly into the phone, making sure her voice was barely audible.


"Hi, sweetie, how are you doing?" Her dad replied, sounding slightly groggy from just waking up, which was unusual.


"I'm not doing great right now. I need to talk to you about something important," Ellie said, her voice tinged with concern.


"What's going on, Ellie? Is everything okay?" Her dad's tone shifted to alertness, sensing the seriousness in her voice.


"It's about the trip to New York. Mom told you I won't be going anymore, right?" Ellie questioned, hoping her dad was aware of the situation.


"Yes, she mentioned it. She's really worried about you, you know. It's a big city, and she's concerned for your safety," he replied, his concern evident in his voice.


"I understand that, Dad, but this trip means so much to me. I've been looking forward to it for months, and I promise I'll be careful. I won't take any unnecessary risks, and I'll stay in touch with both of you every step of the way. Can you please talk to Mom and help me convince her? You know how much it means to me," Ellie pleaded, her heart racing with hope and anxiety.


“Is your mom aware you are calling?”


Ellie hesitated for a moment before responding to her dad's question. She knew that her mom wouldn't approve of her calling him late at night, especially to discuss the trip to New York. Nevertheless, she decided to be honest with him.


"No, Dad, Mom isn't aware that I'm calling you right now," Ellie admitted, her voice tinged with nervousness.


There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and then her dad spoke in a gentle but concerned tone, "Ellie, you know I want to support you, but it's essential to be honest with your mom. Sneaking around won't help your cause."


"I know, Dad, but I was worried she wouldn't listen if she knew I was calling you. She's so adamant about not letting me go to New York," Ellie explained, feeling a pang of guilt.


"I understand your frustration, Ellie, but communication is key in situations like this. Sneaking calls behind her back will only create more tension between you two. Let's talk to her together. I'll try to help you make her understand your perspective, but we have to do it honestly," her dad advised.


Ellie knew her dad was right, and she appreciated his support and wisdom. She took a deep breath and nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "You're right, Dad. We'll talk to her tomorrow and I’ll be honest about calling you tonight. I just really want to go to New York, and I thought talking to you first might help convince her."


As she stood in the kitchen, her mind became engrossed in thoughts for a brief moment.


If her mom still didn't allow her to go to New York, Ellie knew she couldn't take any chances and staying was not an option. Determined to make her escape quickly, she headed back upstairs and unpacked her almost full suitcase, scattering its contents across her bed. She decided to pack only the bare essentials for her journey.


Since it was summer, Ellie carefully selected her must-haves from the pile of clothes - the summer dresses she had bought at the mall, a few essential t-shirts, and practical shorts, jeans, and pajamas. She couldn't forget the sentimental value of the pair of sandals and slippers her mom had gifted her last Christmas, so she packed those as well. To be prepared for any unexpected chilly weather, she made space for her cashmere sweater.


Ellie was confident that once she arrived in New York, she could easily buy anything else she might need. With a credit card in her possession, she felt financially empowered to tackle any situation that came her way.


It was already past ten o'clock, and Ellie found herself with limited options. Driving to LAX by herself seemed impractical, so she decided to take a cab. With her suitcase and flight ticket in hand, she headed downstairs, knowing there might be a charge for changing the date of her flight, but she was determined to catch the red-eye.


On the refrigerator, Ellie spotted the LA Checker Cab Company's emergency number, and she wasted no time in contacting them. The company assured her that a cab would arrive within fifteen minutes, and true to their word, the cab showed up promptly.


Though the ride to LAX felt like one of the longest she had ever experienced, Ellie felt a sense of safety during the journey. She knew that by the time her mom and Leo woke up the next morning, she would be thousands of miles away.


Upon reaching LAX, Ellie paid the cab driver, retrieved her suitcase from the trunk, and made her way inside the airport. As she searched for the American Airlines counter, she encountered a young woman who appeared to be not much older than her.


With a soft and sweet demeanor, Ellie stepped up to the ticket counter as the lady greeted her, "Good evening. How may I help, Miss?" Her voice carried a sense of warmth and readiness to assist.


Passing the ticket to the attendant named Sam, Ellie said, "Hi, I would like to make a change to this ticket for the next flight to New York, preferably the red-eye if possible. It's actually an emergency."


Regret filled Sam's eyes as she looked up and responded, "I'm truly sorry, Miss, but the red-eye flights have limited availability, and unfortunately, the last flight for tonight is already fully booked." She returned the ticket to Ellie.


“Please Sam,” Ellie implored. “I really need to get on that flight. My dad is seriously ill, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to see him if he doesn’t make it. I received a call earlier, urging me to be there as soon as possible. He suffered a stroke and is currently in the hospital.”


"I'm deeply sorry to hear about your father's condition. Please allow me to see what I can do," Sam said compassionately. She took the ticket back and began typing on her computer once more. After a few moments, she looked up with a reassuring smile, "Well, it turns out I've managed to find a solution for you, but it will require an additional cost."


Ellie’s face lit up with a mixture of relief and gratitude. She presented her credit card, and a new boarding pass was swiftly issued. Following that, her suitcase was weighed and tagged, and with a coffee and magazine in hand, Ellie anxiously waited in the airport lounge. Time seemed to crawl, but finally, over the speaker, the announcement for her flight was made, putting an end to the seemingly endless wait.


Having reached the gate, Ellie handed her ticket to the airport security, passed through the metal detector, and finally boarded the plane. By then, it was well past midnight.


Her assigned seat was a window seat, located a few rows from the back of the plane. As she settled in, there was an empty seat next to her until the last passenger boarded. A pleasant male voice interrupted her as she was engrossed in an interesting article in the magazine. "Hello."


Looking up, Ellie was taken aback by the man's striking good looks. "Hello," she replied, momentarily at a loss for words, and then she returned her gaze to the magazine, not quite sure what to say next.


After stowing his duffel bag in the compartment above, he comfortably settled into the seat next to her. “So, where is a pretty lady like you headed?” he asked, striking up a conversation.


While keeping her eyes fixed on the material she was reading, she responded, “I’m not sure what your ticket says, but mine says JFK.” Her tone remained friendly but slightly reserved, still engrossed in her magazine.


"Right," he replied, a bit surprised by her response. Settling comfortably back into his seat, he fastened his seatbelt.


Upon the announcement over the speaker, everyone was instructed to remain seated until after the take-off.


Twenty minutes later, the plane lifted off, and they were airborne.


Ellie couldn’t quite believe she had managed to make it on this flight. It was an emotional decision to tell the airport staff about her father’s illness to secure a seat, but she felt truly desperate, and in desperate times, desperate measures were taken.