CHANCE ENCOUNTER
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY
Earlier That Week
“Attention passengers. United Airlines Flight 1102 from Newark to San Juan has a gate change from Gate 108 to Gate 132. Attention passengers…"
As the PA system for Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airport echoed throughout the concourse, Layla raised her head and glanced at the screen near Gate 108 to confirm what she had just heard. The screen no longer showed that Flight 1102 was departing from that gate. Instead, it indicated a new departure to Chicago.
Layla stood up, grabbed her purse and carry-on luggage, and walked through the busy concourse until she reached Gate 132. Her Apple AirPods were playing the rhythmic sounds of "Love Will Follow" by Kenny Loggins as she walked.
When she reached the gate, she sat down on
