‘Patrick, calling Paaaaaatick’, please present yourself at the check in desk. The American accent rang out over the PA. Interrupting an uncharacteristic flurry of emails. Putting his laptop away and swiftly slinging his bag over his shoulder, he presented to the front desk. ‘Good morning, I’m Patrick’ he said. Calmly, expectantly. ‘Oh, hello sir, I have a family that we’re trying to seat together, would you be happy to move… we currently have you sitting in Seat 8A—’

‘Yes, put me anywhere,’ he cut in.

‘Thankyou sir,’ said the flight attendant.

Patrick smiled, and patiently waited for his ticket, noticing first the flight attendants stubble and then his stigmatism. The flight attendant continued. ‘Thankyou sir, their child has down syndrome,’ the attendant added.

‘Yeah… mmm,’ said Patrick.