In the businessclass cabin a thin, humming tension lingered, like a stray cloud of static. Passengers cast furtive glances at an elderly lady as she barely managed to settle into her seat. It was only at the final stretch of the flight that the captain turned his attention to her.
Eleanor, her heart fluttering, sank into the armrest. A sharp argument ignited in an instant.
I refuse to sit beside that woman! roared a man in his forties, his eyes fixed on her plain dress as he addressed the stewardess. His name was Victor Blake, and he wore his arrogance like a coat, flaunting it with every word.
Excuse me, sir, the passenger holds a ticket for this seat. We cannot relocate her, the stewardess replied calmly, though Victor continued to drill Eleanor with his gaze.
These seats are far too fine for people like her, he sneered, glancing around as if seeking allies. Eleanor stayed silent, while inside her chest tightened. She wore her best dresssimple, tidy, the only one suitable for such a momentous occasion.
A few travelers exchanged looks, some nodding in agreement with Victor. At last, the old woman lifted a trembling hand and whispered, Its all right If theres a place in economy, Ill step down. Ive saved for this flight all my life and I dont wish to trouble anyone
Eleanor was eightyfive, and this was her first time on an aeroplane. The journey had been a marathon of endless corridors, bustling terminals, and interminable waits. An airport attendant had even escorted her so she wouldnt lose her way. Now, with only a handful of hours left before her longheld dream, she found herself bruised by humiliation.
The stewardess stood firm. Im sorry, madam, but you paid for this ticket and you have every right to be here. No one may take that away from you. She stared coldly at Victor and added, If you persist, Ill summon security.
Victor muttered a disgruntled grumble and fell silent. The plane lifted into the clouds. In her nervousness Eleanor dropped her handbag, and without a word Victor bent to help gather the scattered items.
When he handed her the bag, his eye caught a pendant dangling from her neck, its stone the colour of fresh blood.
Fine piece of jewellery, he said. Looks like a ruby. I know a bit about antiquities; such a thing isnt cheap.
Eleanor smiled faintly. I have no idea its worth My father gave it to my mother before he went off to war and never returned. Mother handed it to me when I turned ten. She opened the locket, revealing two faded photographs: a young couple on one, a grinning little boy on the other.
These are my parents, she murmured tenderly. And thats my son.
Are you flying to see him? Victor asked cautiously.
No, she lowered her gaze. I placed him in a childrens home as an infant. I had no husband, no work, nothing to offer him a proper life. Only recently, a DNA test traced him. I wrote to him but he replied that he didnt want to know me.
His birthday is today. I just wanted to be near him, even for a minute.
Victors face went slack. Then why fly?
The old woman offered a weak smile, a sorrow frozen in her eyes. Hes the commander of this flight. This is the only way I can be close to him, even if only with a glance.
Victor fell silent, shame washing over him. He lowered his head. The stewardess, hearing the confession, slipped quietly toward the cockpit.
Moments later, the commanders voice rang through the cabin. Ladies and gentlemen, we will soon begin our descent into Manchester Airport. But first, I wish to address a special lady on board. Mother please remain after landing. I need to see you.
Eleanor froze. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and a hush fell over the cabin, broken only by soft clapping and trembling smiles.
When the aircraft touched down, the commander broke protocol: he burst from the cockpit, tears streaking his face, and rushed to Eleanor. He embraced her so tightly it seemed he tried to stitch together the years that had slipped away.
Thank you, mother, for everything youve done for me, he whispered, holding her close.
Eleanor wept in his arms. I have nothing to forgive. I have always loved you
Victor stood apart, his head bowed, ashamed. He finally understood that beneath the worn clothes and the lines of age lay a saga of sacrifice and boundless love.
It was not merely a flight. It was a dreamlike reunion of two hearts torn apart by time, yet somehow finding each other again.
