She turned in a circle, clawing at the back of her head, and a huge pink ribbon bobbed behind her, tied tightly into her extensions. A paper tag swung from it. Everyone could read the neat block letters: HAIR STAYS ON ITS OWN SIDE. THANK YOU. The teenager across the aisle was wheezing with laughter. The blonde ripped at the knot, but I had tied it the way I used to tie my students’ shoes, tight and double knotted, and it would not budge.

Then the flight attendant stepped in front of me, her name tag reading Dana, and her voice lowered. “Ma’am, the captain has asked to see you at the front. Right now.” The blonde let out a triumphant laugh. “Finally! She is getting arrested!” I rose slowly, knees aching, and walked toward the cockpit door with every eye on me. The door opened, and I froze.