While flying with my 5-year-old daughter Ella, she happily watched her iPad. A boy across the aisle kept eyeing her screen, and his mom, whom I’ll call Entitled Mom (EM), asked me to turn it off since they weren’t allowing screen time. I politely declined.

EM got passive-aggressive, and later “accidentally” knocked Ella’s tray, sending the iPad crashing. Ella cried, and EM smirked, feigning innocence. I focused on comforting Ella, trying to stay calm.

Soon after, EM’s son burst into tears, confessing he felt bad about the iPad. EM’s face turned pale—clearly not expecting her son’s guilt.

A flight attendant, having witnessed it all, gave Ella a stuffed airplane and said she’d report the incident. Ella cheered up instantly.

As we landed, EM mouthed a quiet “Sorry.” Despite the rocky flight, Ella smiled and asked, “Can we fly again soon?” I hugged her, grateful for her resilience and the small kindnesses that saved the day.