Just in Case

Another version of the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared.

The man in 13B and his 18-month old girl were the first to be seated in that row. He had stowed his carryon and made sure he had what his daughter would need for the flight.

He held her against his shoulder so she could smile and wave at those behind her. She patted her father on the head and he turned around and smiled too.

After the flight attendant announced all passengers were on board and to take a seat so they could begin taxiing, the man in 13B grabbed a small plastic bag from her diaper bag, and stood with his daughter.

To each person in the two rows ahead and two behind, he handed a package of orange earplugs with a tiny note inside: Just in Case.

It seems the man in 13B had flown with his daughter before.