In the businessclass cabin a tension hangs as passengers cast sideways glances at the elderly lady who barely manages to settle into her seat. At the end of the flight the captain turns to her.
Mabel, nervous, lowers herself into the chair and a heated argument erupts.
I will not sit next to that lady! a man about forty shouts, staring at her modest coat and addressing the flight attendant.
His name is Victor Harper. He openly displays his arrogance and contempt.
Excuse me, but the passenger holds a ticket for this seat. We are not authorised to move her, the stewardess replies, staying calm even as Harper continues to stare at Mabel.
These seats are far too fancy for people like her, he snaps, looking around as if expecting allies.
Mabel remains silent, though inside she feels squeezed. She wears her best dress simple but tidy the only one suitable for such an important occasion. Some passengers exchange looks, a few nod in agreement with Harper.
At one point, unable to bear it any longer, the old woman gently lifts her hand and says,
Its all right If theres a place in economy Ill move. I saved for this flight all my life and I dont want to bother anyone
Mabel is eightyfive. This is her first time on an aeroplane. The journey has been hard: endless corridors, bustling terminals, long waits. An airport steward even accompanies her so she does not get lost.
Now, with only a few hours left until her dream, she faces humiliation.
The stewardess stands her ground:
Sorry, maam, you paid for this ticket and you have every right to be here. No one may take that away.
She looks sharply at Victor and adds coldly,
If you dont stop, Ill call security.
He mutters in displeasure and falls silent.
The aircraft lifts into the sky. Mabel, trembling, drops her handbag and, without a word, Victor helps her gather the items.
When he hands her the bag, his gaze catches a pendant with a bloodred stone.
Fine piece of jewellery, he says. Looks like a ruby. I know a bit about antiques its worth a fair sum.
Mabel smiles.
I have no idea its value My father gave it to my mother before he went off to war. He never returned. Mother handed it to me when I turned ten.
She opens the pendant, revealing two old photographs: one of a young couple, the other of a small boy beaming.
Those are my parents she whispers tenderly. And this is my son.
Are you flying to meet him? Victor asks cautiously.
No, Mabel replies, eyes dropping. I placed him in an orphanage as an infant. I had no husband, no job, couldnt give him a proper life. I only recently traced him with a DNA test. I wrote to him but he said he didnt want to know.
Today is his birthday. I just wanted to be near him, even for a minute
Victor looks stunned.
But why fly then? he asks.
The old woman offers a faint smile, grief lingering in her eyes.
Hes the captain of this flight. This is the only way I can be close to him, even for a glance
Victor falls silent, ashamed, and drops his gaze.
The stewardess, having heard everything, slips quietly into the cockpit.
A few minutes later the commanders voice comes over the speakers:
Ladies and gentlemen, we will soon begin our descent into Heathrow. Before that Id like to address a special lady on board. Mother please stay after landing. I want to see you.
Mabel freezes. Tears roll down her cheeks. The cabin falls silent, then a few people start clapping, others smile through tears.
When the plane lands, the commander breaks protocol: he rushes out of the cockpit, tears streaming, and throws himself at Mabel. He embraces her tightly, as if trying to recover lost years.
Thank you, mother, for everything youve done for me, he whispers, holding her close.
Mabel cries in his arms:
I have nothing to forgive. I have always loved you
Victor stands nearby, head bowed, ashamed. He realises that beneath the shabby clothes and wrinkles lies a story of great sacrifice and love.
It is not just a flight. It is a reunion of two hearts torn apart by time, yet finally finding each other.
