Chapter 16 returns to the perspective of cabin manager Allegra Patel, who is dealing with an immediate crisis: a small child has projectile-vomited all over her — on her skirt, in her shoes, and between her toes. Allegra shrieks "No!" — a reaction she knows is not proper service language. She reflects that her rigorous Ground School training prepared her for fires, crash landings, life rafts, and resuscitation, but not for this level of physical revulsion.

The child's distraught mother frantically apologizes and pulls out wet wipes, desperately trying to help clean up. Allegra maintains her professional composure, telling the mother it's not a problem, while internally regretting that she didn't bring a spare uniform because she didn't want to carry a larger bag. She dabs at her soiled clothes while trying not to retch.

Meanwhile, Allegra observes the older woman continuing her predictions, now talking to a pair of elderly retired doctors who nod and smile respectfully. Allegra speculates that either their medical backgrounds and age make them unafraid of mortality, or they simply can't hear what the woman is saying. As Allegra bends forward, she experiences a sharp pain in her back. Her eyes fill with tears and she thinks self-pityingly that it is her birthday. She manages to smile tenderly at the now-relieved little girl, slumped back with her thumb in her mouth.

The child's mother apologizes again, blaming the distraction caused by "that awful lady." Allegra reassures her, and privately resolves that her decision to remain childless is now "set in stone." The chapter ends with Allegra noting that the predicting woman continues steadily down the aisle, progressing as efficiently as a crew member distributing snacks.