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The explosion is enough to rattle the plane right down to its metal framework. But it’s also far away enough that it does little or no damage. For certain, had it exploded inside the Airbus, it would have disintegrated the back fuselage, and evaporated anyone within a ten-foot radius of the blast.
But that wasn’t important at the moment. What was important was getting Mary help. He lifts her out of her seat, cradles her like a child, carries her through the economy cabins and into the first-class cabin where he lays her out on a long, window seat. Something wonderful happens then. The entire plane erupts in applause. Passengers cheering, whistling, clapping. It’s enough to warm Sam’s heart.
Several flight attendants, including Ashley, come to Mary’s aid with a first aid kit. Behind th
