“I carried that card through six foster homes.”
“I carried it when I failed algebra. I carried it when a guidance counselor told me flight school was unrealistic for someone with no family and no money.”
A soft sound came from somewhere behind me.
Not quite a sob.
“I carried it through community college. Through my first flying lesson. Through the interview where I borrowed a suit because I couldn’t afford one.”
“I carried it when I failed algebra.”
Mrs. Clooney opened her canvas purse.
Her hands moved among tissues, reading glasses, and a small coin pouch.
“I carried it on my first solo flight.”
She found a handkerchief and pressed it to her cheek as the captain continued.
“And I carried it into the cockpit on my first day as captain.”
