Maya sat there, stunned. The older woman handed Noah back to her, now sleeping peacefully.

“Thank you,” Maya whispered again, tears glistening in her eyes.

The woman patted her hand gently. “It’s nothing. You remind me of my daughter. She used to worry too much, too. Just remember—you’re stronger than you think.”

They talked quietly for the rest of the flight. Maya learned the woman’s name was Helen. She lived in Seattle and volunteered at a children’s hospital. When the plane landed, Helen insisted on helping Maya with her bags.