“Please, take it. It’s the least I can do to thank you for your service.” For a moment, the man’s expression seemed to falter, as if he were uncertain whether to accept. Then, he gave a modest nod. “That’s very kind of you, ma’am,” he said, his voice low, respectful. “Thank you.”
With a polite smile, Kristen gathered her things and moved toward the back, toward economy class. She didn’t mind. The gesture felt right. She had done something good today—small in the grand scheme of things, but meaningful.