In the businessclass cabin a tense atmosphere hung over the seats. Passengers cast wary glances at an elderly lady as she barely managed to get settled. It was only at the end of the flight that the captain turned his attention to her.
Ethel Whitcombe, nervous, lowered herself into the armrest. Almost immediately a heated argument broke out.
Im not going to sit next to that woman! boomed a man in his forties, staring at her modest coat and addressing the flight attendant.
His name was Victor Spencer. He made no effort to hide his superiority and disdain.
Excuse me, but the passenger holds a ticket for this seat. Were not allowed to move it, the stewardess, Sarah Collins, replied calmly, even as Spencer kept fixing Ethel with a hard stare.
These seats are far too pricey for someone like that, he snapped, glancing around as if looking for allies.
Ethel kept quiet, though inside she felt her heart tighten. She wore her best dresssimple, neat, the only one suitable for such an important occasion. Some of the other travellers exchanged looks, a few nodded in agreement with Victor.
At last, the old woman raised her hand softly and said, Its all right if theres a place in economy, Ill go. Ive saved for this flight my whole life and I dont want to be a bother.
Ethel was eightyfive. It was her first time on an aeroplane. The journey had been hard on her: endless corridors, bustling terminals, endless waiting. An airport aide had even been assigned to keep her from getting lost. Now, with her dream only hours away, she faced humiliation.
But the stewardess stood firm. Im sorry, madam, but you paid for this ticket and you have every right to be here. Dont let anyone take that away from you. She turned a cold, hard gaze on Victor and added, If you dont stop, Ill call security.
Victor fell silent, muttering his displeasure under his breath.
When the plane lifted into the clouds, Ethels nervousness made her drop her handbag. Without a word, Victor bent down and helped her gather her things. As he handed the bag back, his eye caught a pendant with a rubyred stone.
Fine piece of jewellery, he said. Looks like a ruby. I know a thing or two about antiques; thatll fetch a good sum.
Ethel smiled faintly. I have no idea its value My father gave it to my mother before he went off to war and never came back. She handed it to me when I turned ten. She opened the locket, revealing two faded photographs: a young couple in one, a smiling little boy in the other.
These are my parents, she whispered tenderly. And this is my son.
Victor asked cautiously, Youre flying to see him?
No, Ethel lowered her gaze. I gave him up for adoption when he was a baby. I had no husband, no work, nothing to give him a proper life. I only recently found him through a DNA test. I wrote to him, but he says he doesnt want to know me.
Today is his birthday. I just wanted to be near him, even for a minute
Victor stared, bewildered. Then why fly?
A weak smile touched the old womans lips, sorrow frozen in her eyes. Hes the commander of this flight. This is the only way I can be close to him, even if just for a glance.
Victor fell silent, shame flushing his cheeks. He lowered his head.
Sarah, hearing the exchange, slipped quietly into the cockpit.
A few minutes later the captains voice rang through the cabin. Ladies and gentlemen, well be beginning our descent into New York shortly. But first Id like to address a special lady on board. Mother please stay after we land. I want to see you.
Ethel froze. Tears streamed down her cheeks. A hush fell over the cabin, broken only by soft applause and smiles through the tears.
When the aircraft touched down, the commander broke protocol, sprinting out of the cockpit. With tears in his eyes he lunged toward Ethel, hugging her as tightly as he could, as if trying to make up for lost years.
Thank you, Mum, for everything youve done for me, he whispered, pressing her close.
Ethel wept in his arms. I have nothing to forgive. Ive always loved you
Victor stood apart, his head bowed, mortified. He finally understood that beneath the wrinkled skin and threadbare clothes lay a story of great sacrifice and love.
It wasnt just a flight. It was a reunion of two hearts torn apart by time, yet finally finding each other again.
