As he made his way back to the cockpit, the cabin felt different, lighter. The passengers who had once been strangers now felt like silent allies in this shared journey. A flight attendant, inspired by the pilot’s example, came by to offer snacks and a much-needed cup of water.

When my husband eventually returned to his seat, his break over, he looked at the scene with surprise. The children were calmer, Emma absorbed in her new imaginary game, and the twins dozing peacefully in my arms.

“What happened?” he asked, clearly puzzled by the transformation.

“The pilot,” I said with a tired smile, “he changed everything.”