The businessclass cabin was buzzing with tension. Folks kept shooting glances at an elderly lady as she finally squeezed into her seat. By the end of the flight the captain actually turned to her.
Ethel, nervous as ever, dropped into her chair and right away a heated exchange sparked off.
I’m not sitting next to that lady! boomed a man in his forties, his eyes fixed on her modest coat as he snarled at the flight attendant.
His name was Victor Clarke. He made no secret of his arrogance, looking down on her as if she were an inconvenience.
Sorry, sir, the passenger has a ticket for this seat. We cant move her, the stewardess replied calmly, though Victor kept staring daggers at Ethel.
These seats are far too pricey for people like that, he muttered, glancing around as if hoping for backup.
Ethel kept quiet, her stomach doing somersaults. Shed dressed in her best simple, tidy, the only outfit decent enough for such a momentous occasion. Some passengers exchanged looks, a few nodded at Victor.
At one point the old lady lifted a trembling hand and said softly, Its all right If theres a seat in economy Ill take it. Ive saved for this flight my whole life and I dont want to be a bother.
Ethel was eightyfive, and this was her first time on a plane. The whole journey had been a maze of corridors, bustling terminals and endless waiting. An airport staff member even escorted her so she wouldnt get lost. Now, with only a few hours left until her dream, she was being humiliated.
The stewardess stood firm: Excuse me, maam, you paid for this ticket and you have every right to be here. Dont let anyone take that away from you. She stared Victor down and added coldly, If you dont stop, Ill call security.
Victor grumbled, then fell silent.
The aircraft rose into the clouds. In her agitation Ethel dropped her handbag, and without a word Victor knelt to help gather her things. When he handed her the bag, his gaze snagged on a pendant with a bloodred stone.
Nice charm, he said. Looks like a ruby. I know a thing or two about antiques that things worth a pretty penny.
Ethel smiled faintly. I have no idea how much its worth. My father gave it to my mother before he went off to war and never came back. Mom handed it to me when I was ten. She opened the locket, revealing two faded photos: a young couple and a little boy beaming at the world.
These are my parents, she whispered tenderly. And thats my son.
Victor asked cautiously, Youre flying to see him?
She lowered her eyes. No. I gave him up for adoption as a baby because I had no husband, no job I simply couldnt give him a proper life. I only found him recently through a DNA test. I wrote to him, but he said he didnt want to know. Today would be his birthday and I just wanted to be near him, even for a minute.
Victor looked stunned. Then why fly?
The old woman gave a weak smile, sorrow glinting in her eyes. Hes the captain of this flight. Thats the only way I can be close, even if its just a glance.
Victor fell silent, shame washing over him, and he lowered his head. The stewardess, hearing everything, slipped away toward the cockpit.
A few minutes later the captains voice crackled over the intercom: Ladies and gentlemen, well be beginning our descent into Manchester shortly. But before we land Id like to address a very special woman on board. Mum please stay after we touch down. I want to see you.
Ethel froze, tears spilling down her cheeks. The cabin fell silent, then a few people began clapping, some smiling through their own tears.
When the plane finally touched down, the captain broke protocol, rushed out of the cockpit, tears streaming, and threw himself at Ethel, holding her as tightly as if he could make up for the years lost.
Thank you, Mum, for everything youve done for me, he whispered, pressing her close.
Ethel sobbed in his arms, Ive got nothing to forgive. Ive always loved you
Victor stood off to the side, head bowed, embarrassed. He finally understood that beneath the plain dress and the wrinkles lay a story of great sacrifice and boundless love.
It wasnt just a flight. It was a reunion of two hearts torn apart by time, finally finding each other again.
