As the bearded passenger returned to his seat, the atmosphere in the cabin seemed to lighten. Other passengers, who had been watching the exchange with interest, smiled at me encouragingly. One woman across the aisle even gave a small thumbs-up.

My baby, now content with his toy and the soothing hum that lingered in the air, finally settled down. I took a deep breath, feeling the tension in my shoulders begin to ease. It was incredible how one person’s kindness had diffused a situation that seemed completely overwhelming just moments before.

The rest of the flight passed more peacefully. My baby dozed off halfway through, clutching his new rattle, and I had a chance to close my eyes and relax, the weight of judgment lifted from my shoulders.