That it’s adorable? Huh! WHAT A BRAT!”
“Do you even know anything about my child and me?” Edward began to lose his temper.
“I’m warning you, sir. Stop insulting us! I apologize for the inconvenience, and you can say whatever you want about me, but please stop mocking my child!”
“Jesus!” Tyler yanked off his seatbelt and leaped to his feet.
By this time the other passengers had turned to face them. “I don’t care how you do it, but I want to be reassigned to another seat right now!” he yelled at the flight attendant. “Enough, sir!” yelled Edward.
“Fine, I admit what Louis did was wrong, but…” His eyes welled up, and he was crying before he realized it. “Do you realize how difficult it has been for him to read again? THREE YEARS…DO YOU UNDERSTAND?” his voice broke.
“It’s the first time in three years that Louis is able to see the world around him. “He underwent surgery, sir, on his eye. For three goddamn years, my child couldn’t see anything!
He is overjoyed today since he can finally read everything. Please don’t pass judgment on someone if you don’t know their story.”
At this point, Tyler, the stewardess, and everyone else on the flight fell silent. Suddenly, Louis pulled Tyler’s jacket and said, “I am sorry if I was mean.
I was very excited, and I didn’t realize I was troubling you. I’m reading a book that my mom used to read to me when I was a baby. I am reading this because I miss her.
I lost her three years ago, on the same day I had injured my eyes…I am sorry for troubling you and everyone.” He climbed to his feet and apologized to everyone. Tyler was stunned. Now he felt like he was the idiot, ranting about his peace and quiet when this little boy had been through so much.
Filled with regret, he sat down and gently asked Louis, “What happened to your mother?”
It was Edward who replied. “My wife died in a car crash. Louis was seven then.
Fortunately, he lived, but his eyes were injured, and it took him three years to be able to see again after his surgery a few days ago. That’s why we’re here. We’re flying back home now so he can rest.
But he needs another surgery to ensure his eyes fully recover. “I know there are others in worse situations than us, but things haven’t been easy for us. We’re having financial problems; I am still reeling over my wife’s death, and then Louis’s treatment…It’s a struggle coping as a parent alone… Now I feel like such a terrible father.”
“Look, sir…” Tyler had just begun to speak when a voice over the intercom announced their arrival at their destination.
The stewardess returned to her position to prepare for landing while Tyler sat silently in his seat, his eyes moist. As the flight landed and people began to disembark the plane, Tyler turned to Edward and Louis and apologized to them. “I am so sorry for my actions earlier.
I was wrong. It’s ironic because I’m actually an ophthalmologist, and I can help Louis. Let me make it up to you by treating him for free.
I am really embarrassed by what I did. I should have been more patient.”
“Oh no, it’s alright…Guess I went a little overboard too. I’m Edward Norman, by the way.”
“Tyler – Tyler Campbell.”
“And I’m Louis Norman, Dr.
Campbell!” Louis said, extending his hand for a handshake. Tyler laughed and shook the small boy’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Louis.”
That day, Edward forgave Tyler and thanked him offering to take care of Louis’s treatment.
Thankfully, the boy’s subsequent surgery went great, and his eyes would be completely fine.
