As he returned to the cockpit, the atmosphere in the cabin had shifted. My husband, having switched seats with a kind fellow passenger who offered to help, returned as well. “I can’t believe the pilot came out to help,” he said, his tone mixed with disbelief and admiration. “Neither can I,” I replied, still processing the unlikely turn of events.

The remainder of the flight passed more smoothly than I could have hoped for. The twins slept soundly, Emma entertained herself with tales of her cockpit adventure, and I finally had a moment to breathe.