“My name is Noah Bennett. I know I’m just a kid, but my little sister had terrible colic. I learned some things that helped. Your daughter sounds like she might be dealing with the same kind of pain.”
Andrew studied him for one quick but meaningful second. He saw the boy’s seriousness, his self-control, the absence of performance in him. And because desperation is clarifying, Andrew listened.
“What kind of things?”
“A different hold. Gentle pressure along her back to relieve gas. And she may be overstimulated. Too much bouncing can make some babies worse.”
Andrew looked around the cabin. Everyone was watching.
Then he made the only decision left to make.
“Please,” he said, and handed over Lily.
The miracle that followed changed the atmosphere of the entire flight.
Under Noah’s steady hands, Lily softened almost immediately. He held her upright against his chest, supported her carefully, and traced small rhythmic movements down her back. Then he began humming.
“What song is that?” Andrew asked quietly.
“My grandmother taught it to me,” Noah said. “Her mother used to sing it to her.”
Lily let out one last shaky sigh and fell asleep.