As the airplane's door opened with a hiss, a gust of warm air greeted Martha, Valeria, and the little child, tousling their hair and ruffling the hem of Martha's coat. Stepping onto the stairs, they were met by a burly bodyguard, his demeanour serious yet reassuring. He offered a polite nod before gesturing for them to follow him.

Martha, with her arm protectively wrapped around Valeria, guided the child down the steps with gentle encouragement. The little one, clutching a stuffed toy close to ...