For the first time in my short history of flying, I had a seat where my long legs could fully stretch out. The person next to me was short, thin, and already sleeping with their hood pulled up over their headphones. Message received and appreciated. I was ready to focus on Monsters Inc. for the next 70 minutes, never having to think about being in a metal tube 30,000 feet above the ground.

All my relief and comfort was short lived.

Fumbling for my headphones, I felt a hand slap my shoulder. The body the hand was attached to sat down across the aisle from me—Captain Nick.