The atmosphere in the businessclass cabin was taut. Passengers shot furtive glances at the frail old lady as soon as she shuffled into her seat. It was only at the final approach that the captain turned his attention to her.
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach when Eleanor Whitaker lowered herself into her chair, and the row erupted into a heated exchange.
Im not sitting next to that woman! roared a man in his early forties, his eyes fixed on her plain dress as he addressed the flight attendant.
His name was Victor Harper. He made no attempt to hide his superiority and contempt.
Im sorry, sir, but the passenger holds a confirmed reservation for that seat. We arent authorised to move her, the stewardess replied calmly, though Victor continued to stare daggers at Eleanor.
Those seats are far too expensive for people like that, he sneered, looking around as if seeking allies.
Eleanor said nothing, though inside she felt her heart compress. She wore her best dress simple, tidy, the only one suitable for such an important occasion. Some of the other travellers exchanged looks, a few nodded in agreement with Victor.
At length, the old woman raised a trembling hand and whispered:
Its all right If theres a place in economy, Ill go there. Ive saved for this flight my whole life and I dont want to trouble anyone
Eleanor was eightyfive, and this was her first time on an aeroplane. The journey had been arduous: endless corridors, bustling terminals, endless waiting. An airport staff member had even escorted her to prevent her from getting lost.
Now, with only a few hours left until the dream shed nurtured for decades was within reach, she faced humiliation.
The stewardess stood firm:
Im sorry, maam, but youve paid for this ticket and you have every right to be here. Dont let anyone take that away from you.
She fixed Victor with a steely stare and added coldly:
If you dont stop, Ill call security.
Victor fell silent, muttering his displeasure under his breath.
The aircraft lifted off. Eleanors nerves caused her hand to drop her handbag, and without a word Victor knelt to help gather her belongings.
When he handed her the bag, his gaze fell on a pendant with a bloodred stone.
Lovely pendant, he said. Looks like a ruby. I know a bit about antique jewellery; thats not cheap.
Eleanor 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. She passed it to me when I turned ten.
She opened the locket, revealing two aged photographs: a young couple in one, a small boy beaming in the other.
Those are my parents, she said softly. And this is my son.
Are you flying to see him? Victor asked cautiously.
No, Eleanor lowered her eyes. I placed him in a childrens home when he was an infant. I had no husband, no job, and couldnt give him a proper life. Recent DNA testing led me to him. I wrote to him, but he says he doesnt want to know me.
His birthday is today. I only wanted to be near him, even for a minute
Victor looked taken aback.
Then why fly?
The old woman managed a weak smile, sorrow frozen in her eyes:
Hes the commander of this flight. Its the only way I can be close to him, even if just for a glance.
Victor fell silent, shame flushing his cheeks. He dropped his gaze.
The stewardess, having heard everything, slipped quietly to the cockpit.
A few minutes later the captains voice filled the cabin:
Ladies and gentlemen, we will be beginning our descent into London Heathrow shortly. Before we land, Id like to address a special lady on board. Mother please stay after we touchdown. I want to see you.
Eleanor stiffened. Tears streamed down her cheeks. A hush settled over the cabin, then applause broke out, some people laughing through their tears.
When the plane touched down, the captain broke protocol, sprinted from the cockpit, and, tears evident, lunged toward Eleanor. He embraced her as tightly as if he could reclaim the years lost.
Thank you, Mum, for everything youve done for me, he whispered, holding her close.
Eleanor sobbed in his arms:
I have nothing to forgive. Ive always loved you
Victor stood off to the side, head bowed, ashamed. He finally understood that beneath the shabby clothes and wrinkles lay a story of immense sacrifice and love.
It was more than a flight; it was a reunion of two hearts torn apart by time, yet somehow finding each other again.
