A Man Hung His Filthy, Sweaty Socks over the Airplane Seat in Front of Him, Inches from a Woman's Head – When He Woke Up, He Looked Around and Shouted, 'Who Did This?!'

I almost called her over.

    I couldn't blame him.

But Captain Compost was asleep, and I was tired of having to ask someone else to enforce basic manners.

I told myself I'd wait another minute.

Then the snack cart appeared.

"Something to drink?" the attendant asked.

    The snack cart appeared.

"Sparkling water, please."

    "Anything else?"

I glanced at the cart.

Packets of pretzels.

Cookies.

Small stacks of paper napkins.

And suddenly I had an idea.

    I glanced at the cart.

"Actually, could I have two extra napkins?"

    "Of course."

She handed them over.

I took my drink and set it on the tray table.

Then I opened my purse.

    She handed them over.

Inside was a black pen.

I always carried one because I still liked doing crossword puzzles on paper.

Beside it were two tiny clear zip pouches I used to keep earrings and other small things from disappearing into my purse.