When the captain’s voice is heard speaking to the poor, heavy woman on the plane, the rich man mocks her. -A

A wealthy man, annoyed to find himself seated next to an overweight woman in first class, began complaining to the flight attendant. James Courtney knew the flight would be unpleasant as soon as he saw the woman next to him. She was large, and he wondered how he would endure the journey in comfort. As she sat down and fastened her seatbelt, her elbow accidentally brushed against James. “Watch it!” he snapped. She quickly apologized, “Oh, I’m so sorry.” “Sorry?” James sneered. “Or sorry for eating 3,000 doughnuts to get that big?” The woman looked at him in shock, her eyes welling up with tears. She was young and had a sweet, albeit saddened, expression. Sensing her vulnerability, James continued, “You really should book two seats next time.” The woman’s eyes filled with more tears, but James wasn’t done. He noticed her worn-out clothes and shoes, a sign of financial struggle. “I guess all your money goes on food, huh? Can’t afford two seats? Maybe your fellow passengers will pitch in next time!” She turned to look out the window, tears streaming down her face. In the reflection, James could see her shoulders shaking with sobs. Feeling a twisted satisfaction, he muttered, “I know someone in Mexico who could give you cheap liposuction.” When the flight attendant arrived with the drink cart, James ordered a Martini. “Shaken, not stirred,” he said, adding with a smirk, “I don’t know what Moby Dick here will have.” The flight attendant, clearly disapproving, ignored James’ comment and addressed the woman. “Ma’am, would you like something to drink?” The woman wiped her tears and softly asked for a diet Coke. James chuckled. “A bit late for a diet Coke, don’t you think?” Both women ignored him, but James felt a smug sense of satisfaction. He sipped his drink, glancing at the woman and imagining her squeezing past him when she inevitably needed the bathroom. Soon after, dinner was served. As the flight attendant placed trays in front of them, James smirked again. “Are you sure that’ll be enough for her? She looks like she could eat for a village.” The attendant ignored him and moved on. “Rude, wasn’t she?” James commented to the woman, but she remained silent. As he dug into his meal, he mentally composed complaints about the service. Just as he was finishing, the flight attendant returned with a smile. “Excuse me,” she said, “The captain is a big fan and would love to invite you to the cockpit.” James, surprised, realized she wasn’t speaking to him but to the woman beside him. She smiled shyly and nodded, getting up with the attendant’s help. James watched in shock as she was led away. Soon, the captain’s voice came over the speakers: “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special guest on board today! Fans of I Love Opera will recognize the beautiful voice of Miss Allison Jones!” The cabin filled with applause as the woman sang a few bars of a famous aria. The passengers cheered and clapped. James cringed, realizing the woman he had insulted was a renowned opera singer, flying to perform at a charity concert for world hunger. The flight attendant returned, her tone icy. “Listen, buster,” she said. “I don’t care how rich you are. Upset that woman again, and you’re going straight to economy.” James, caught off guard, muttered an apology. “It’s not me you need to apologize to,” she snapped. When Allison returned, now signing autographs for other passengers, James stood awkwardly to let her back into her seat. “I’m sorry,” he said, forcing a smile. “I had no idea who you were.” Allison looked him straight in the eyes. “It doesn’t matter who I am. You shouldn’t treat anyone like that. Ever. And no, you’re not sorry. Would you be apologizing if I wasn’t famous? You may judge my weight, but you can change your attitude.” James sank into his seat, silent for the rest of the flight, reflecting on her words. By the time they landed, he hadn’t said another word.