Our Family Was Flying on a Make-a-Wish Trip for My Ill Son, Halfway Through the Flight, the Pilot Said, ‘Mike, There’s One Thing About This Trip That You and Your Parents Know Nothing About’

He pressed his forehead against the glass as the plane rolled toward the runway.

Outside, a baggage worker lifted both hands and waved.

Mike waved back with his entire arm.

« He did, sweetheart. »

The engines rose.

Mike gripped both armrests, laughing as the ground dropped beneath us.

Beside me, Stella reached across the narrow space and closed her hand around mine.