The Little Red Bag

"The Little Red Bag" by Jerry Sohl is a science fiction story from the early 1960s that centers on a man with the extraordinary ability to sense the hidden contents of objects and even manipulate time in limited ways who finds himself in a desperate situation aboard an airplane. He discovers a ticking bomb hidden in a fellow passenger's bag, turning his flight to Los Angeles into a race against time. The narrator, while unknowingly searching the bag of his seatmate, Julia, finds explosive material. He must use his powers to find a way to stop the bomb from detonating while keeping everyone safe. As he interacts with Julia, he uncovers the shocking truth about the bomb's origins: it was planted by her own husband, Joe. The story reaches its climax after the arrival when the bags are stolen, leading to an explosion that forces the characters to re-evaluate their lives and find solace in each other amid the turmoil.