Cindy clutches her coloring book and looks up at her mom, her green eyes sparkling with wonder. The airport feels gigantic, but she can’t wait to see her grandmother. As they walk toward their gate, Cindy asks, "Will the airplane go higher than the clouds, Mom?"

Cindy slides into her seat, her red curls bouncing. She peers out the window, watching suitcases being loaded. A friendly flight attendant kneels beside her, introducing herself as Cindy’s friend for the flight. "Welcome aboard, Cindy! Are you ready for your adventure?"

Cindy listens carefully, her feet swinging above the floor. She watches as seat belts click and life vests puff up, then turns to her mom, "I promise to keep my seatbelt on, just like they said!" Her mom squeezes her hand, reassuring her as the airplane prepares for takeoff.

Cindy presses her nose to the glass, eyes wide as the earth shrinks below. The fields look like tiny green squares, rivers like sparkling ribbons. "Mom, we’re flying like birds! I can see the clouds coming closer!" The cabin grows quiet except for the soft whir of engines.

Cindy grins as she receives a cup of apple juice and a packet of crackers. Her mom hands her a box of crayons, and Cindy opens her coloring book to a page with an airplane. She begins to color, choosing bright blues and reds, imagining the flight crew’s smiles when she gives them her drawing. "I’m making a thank you picture for the crew! Do you think they’ll like it?"

With her mom’s help, Cindy writes “Thank you, Cindy” in bold letters. She folds up her tray table and hugs her coloring book. The plane glides smoothly toward the ground, wheels touching the runway with a gentle bump. "We’re almost there! I can’t wait to see Grandma!"

Cindy holds her mom’s hand, walking down the aisle with her finished picture. She stops and hands her colorful drawing to the crew, her smile wide and proud. "Thank you for making my first flight so fun!" The flight crew beams, admiring her gift. Cindy steps into the busy airport, and there is her grandmother, waiting with open arms. She rushes forward, hugging her tightly and bursting with excitement about her adventure.