He pulled off his headphones.
“Lady, we’ve been through this.”
“And nothing’s changed.”
I wanted to arrive happy.
“I’m tall. What do you want me to do about that?”
“Move your knee.”
He laughed and turned away.
I pressed my call button.
Then, when he glanced toward it, I almost canceled the request.
My finger hovered there.
I pressed my call button.
But I left it on.
Before the attendant reached our row, Josh finally pulled his leg back.
“Happy now?”
When she arrived, I asked for some water. I wasn’t ready to explain myself with him listening.
I drank half the cup, annoyed that I’d backed down again.
Within minutes, his leg was against mine.
Josh finally pulled his leg back.
***
Nearly four hours after takeoff, Josh removed his headphones and unbuckled his seat belt.
“Bathroom.”
Henry stood to let him pass.
I watched Josh disappear down the aisle.
Then I slowly straightened my aching leg.
“My goodness, that feels good.”
Henry stood to let him pass.
The relief was immediate.
For the first time in hours, both my knees pointed forward. I could move my shoulder away from the window.
I looked at his empty seat.
And I remembered his words.
“If you’re not using the space, what’s the problem?”
Well, perhaps Josh could have all the space he wanted. He just wouldn’t be borrowing mine.
I looked at his empty seat.
I spotted the flight attendant and raised my hand.
“Could I ask about changing seats?”
“Is something wrong, ma’am?”
“The man beside me keeps pushing into my seat. I’ve asked him to move, but my hip’s been aching.”
She glanced at Josh’s empty seat.
“Where is he now?”
“My hip’s been aching.”
“Restroom. I thought I’d ask while I could get out without another argument.”
“I’m sorry you’ve been uncomfortable. I have an empty aisle seat two rows back. Would you like it?”
“Please. And I should’ve told you earlier when you asked if everything was all right.”
“We can talk about that once you’re settled.”
I gathered my handbag and book. Henry rose to let me through.
“I heard her ask him to move,” Henry told the attendant.
“Would you like it?”
“Thank you,” I said, surprised he’d spoken.
He nodded.
“I should’ve said something sooner.”
The attendant walked me to the empty seat and checked that my bag fit underneath the seat ahead. I sat down and stretched my leg.
Nothing was pressing against it.
He nodded.
“Would you like some water?” she asked.
“I’d appreciate that.”
She’d barely stepped away when Josh returned. He stopped at his row, stared at the empty window seat, then spotted me behind him.
“What the hell did you do?!”
Heads turned. I kept my voice steady.
“I’d appreciate that.”
“I asked to move. There was another seat available.”