The Backpack

Chapter 2

Sofia had been “short called” two hours ago. She didn't mind. It was a clear expectation of the job—one that she planned for. In her job as a flight attendant, so many unplanned things occurred on a daily basis that she was used to being prepared for the unexpected. Some of her fellow flight crew members viewed their reserve‐line schedule as days off with a possibility of being interrupted by work; Sofia viewed them as work days with a possibility of being interrupted by a day off.

Over the years she had learned that realistic expectations were the key to avoiding disappointment, be it at work or home. She knew that if she packed a reserve day with activities that she or her family were looking forward to, only to have it all blown up because she was called to work, then they would all be let down at best. However, if she expected to work on a reserve day and chose to spend her pre‐work time getting a few things done or taking one of her grown children to lunch, then didn't get called in? Well, that was a bonus!

Sofia even had to admit that sometimes not getting called into work could be a disappointment. Her two kids were grown and out of the house and her husband, Scott, worked a normal schedule. This made her job all the more appealing. She was sure to meet interesting people, serve them, and keep them safe. It was a joy to her. She even viewed the occasional upset passenger or the people who treated her like a glorified waitress as welcome challenges.

“There's ...