Her hands cradled her stomach. A spasm of pain made her wince, a cramp, tight, unforgiving, terrifying. The passenger beside her leaned over. “Are you okay? My God, are you okay?” Her voice shook.
“My baby. Something’s wrong.” The young flight attendant rushed back with an ice pack, tears in her eyes. “We’re returning to the gate. Medics are waiting.” The plane turned, its engines humming low, heading back to JFK. Passengers whispered fiercely, their disgust growing with every second.
“That poor woman.” “She asked for safety.” “This is going viral.” When the jet bridge connected, paramedics hurried in. The pregnant woman was escorted out, cheek swollen, eyes glistening, one hand still on her stomach.