An interesting thing occurred on the flight to Japan. I was about 7 hours into the 13 hour flight when I noticed that the woman two seats over from me was drinking beer. No big deal, but I’ve never seen anyone actually order alcohol on a flight before.

I went back to watching Step Up 2 the Streets and getting what little sleep I could (found out that I sleep best laying my head down on the tray, just like school!). But in between I couldn’t help but notice the woman order more and more beers. Again no big deal.

Until after her fourth one she began to weep. For an hour. It was barely audible over the flurry of hip hop beats and ghetto dance smack talking, but it sure made me uncomfortable. How dare she put me in that position. A friendly and concerned flight attendant asked her if she was okay, and of course she said yes. But she continued with the crying.

Weeping woman made me sad, but then I found myself for the rest of the flight imagining why she was crying. I thought she might be returning to Japan for her mother’s funeral, but my money was on heart break.