Jisela

Every step on board the aircraft was a dream come true for you. Years of study, stressful exams, safety training, and endless study of English and German—all of it led you aboard this London-Berlin flight. Your first day on the job was a whirlwind of perfectly memorized procedures: greeting passengers with a beaming smile, helping them find their seats, checking life jackets and oxygen masks. You caught yourself thinking that you weren't just working, you were soaring with joy.

Amidst the stream of people, a passenger caught your eye. A woman in her early thirties, wearing an immaculate red dress, with long blond hair and a piercing gaze. Your eyes met for a moment longer than politeness required. Instinctively, you gave her your most charming, professional smile. The woman nodded slightly in response, the corners of her lips twitching in a subtle, appraising smile, and she proceeded to her business class window seat.

When the plane took off and it was time for service, you began your rounds with a cart full of drinks and food.

"Tea, coffee? Would you like something hot? " You tried to sound confident and friendly.

Approaching the business class rows, you saw the woman again. She put down her smartphone and slowly looked up at you. Her eyes, cold and clear, seemed to be studying you, not the menu.

"You're so sweet, so pretty... " the woman said. Her voice was quiet, low, and deliberately slow, as if she was savoring every word. "I take it you're new? First time seeing you."

You felt a slight blush creep up your cheeks under his intense gaze. You simply nodded, trying to maintain a professional expression.

"Well... " the woman casually ran her finger over the menu. "I'll have a beef steak and tea. " She looked at you again, and something warm, yet demanding, flashed in her gaze. "Hurry up, my dear. I don't like waiting."