The toxic gas had spread for miles around the airport, shutting down public transport and leaving cars stranded. Our only way out was by plane.

A man on the same flight as me rushed to the counter, confronting the flight attendant.

"This is ridiculous! I demand you get me on that plane immediately!"

The flight attendant, Hailey Evans, calmly reassured him. "Mr. Williams, please be patient. The crew is handling the situation, and we will announce any updates."

Mr. Williams wasn't backing down. "What's with your attitude? I'll report you! If I'm not the first to board, you'll be hearing from me!"

I felt a growing unease, suddenly realizing the grim possibility: what if every flight was overbooked? Would I ever get on a plane?

I approached Hailey Evans, summoning my courage.

"I'm an overbooked passenger for the 8:30 flight. I've already missed two flights. I'm in a hurry. Can I board the next one?"

Hailey smiled, maintaining her composure. "Rest assured, I'll do my best to get you on board."

Her official response didn't ease my worry.

Behind me, a group of fellow overbooked passengers scoffed. They were confident the airport had a plan in place, dismissing my concerns as needless worry.

A particularly vocal couple caught my attention.

The guy sneered at me. "Has she never flown before? Pestering the flight attendant like that. Planes aren't like buses; they take off on time."

His girlfriend chimed in, "You're so smart, baby! I feel safe flying with you."

I was outnumbered and didn't want to argue, but doubts lingered. I pressed Hailey for reassurance.

"I'm in business class. I'll definitely get priority boarding, right?"

The mocking behind me continued, with some doubting I could even afford business class. Normally, I wouldn't splurge like this, but it was a reward from my company for a month of overtime. Who knew it would come to this?

"Of course, Ms. Carter. You will be given priority boarding when the plane arrives."

I sat near the gate, anxiety mounting as the time approached. The bustling airport quieted, like the calm before a storm.

A kind Grandma Carter from a tour group came to comfort me. "Don't worry, dear. You'll get on that plane."

"Flight to the Mountain City is now boarding. Please line up in an orderly fashion..."

Finally, boarding began.

Mr. Williams, the one who had yelled at Hailey earlier, cut in front of me. But as he handed over his ticket, he was stopped.

"What do you mean I can't board?"