Caleb didn’t mind taking the last seats on a flight to block a doctor. A series of misfortunes unfolded midway, and his brutal choice haunted him in unexpected ways.

Dr. Julia Harrington ran through the airport’s sliding glass doors with her carry-on bouncing and her handbag thrown over one shoulder. Her nerves were straining after barely navigating traffic and security. Before nightfall, a patient had to reach Santa Monica to survive. The hospital wanted her for a difficult cardiac procedure. Every second counted.

She appreciated the empty check-in counter. Julia breathed shakily as a little line remained. Maybe she finally got lucky.

Disaster struck when she stepped forward. A pocketbook strap fell from her shoulder, spilling her wallet, medical papers, stethoscope, little notebook, and loose cash on the polished airport floor. Julia huddled to grab her belongings, her cheeks flaming from the inconvenience.

A guy and lady swept up to the counter then.

“Two Santa Monica tickets please. “Please,” he demanded.

The young airline attendant, dressed in a clean uniform with sleepy eyes, froze. His nametag read Owen. He shuffled uneasily before responding. “We have two seats left.” He looked at Julia, who was kneeling and urgently gathering her possessions.

Julia slightly straightened to speak, stethoscope in hand. I need one of those seats. This is an emergency for a surgeon. I must fly to save a patient.”

She was ignored by the man. He placed a credit card on the counter. “We own the tickets. Book them.”

A kind woman with auburn hair and troubled eyes, his partner hesitated. Caleb, why not give her a seat? She called it an emergency.”

She was dismissed by Caleb’s curt shake. We won’t change our plans for a stranger. Story over.”

Julia stood up, her voice desperate. Please, I ask you. If I don’t arrive in time, someone will die.”

Finally turning toward her, Caleb was chilly and contemptuous. “Life is hard. Everyone has issues.” He moved the credit card toward Owen. Complete the booking.”

Owen processed the tickets after a brief pause. Julia slumped as Caleb smiled at the boarding passes.

The woman beside him looked regretful, her lips parted to speak, but Caleb pulled her arm. “Let’s go, Lydia,” he said, leading her away.

Julia trembled as she said, “Thank you for at least understanding,” to Lydia. She returned to Owen. Is there another flight? Anything?”

Owen played the keyboard quickly. “There was one seat left on the later flight, but…” He hesitated, frowning. Booking just happened. Doctor, I’m sorry. I can reserve you.”

Julia nodded, keeping her cool despite her frustration. The time was passing.

Caleb and Lydia hurried to their gate. Lydia was haunted by guilt.

“How could you be so indifferent back there?” she whispered.

Caleb rarely looked up from his phone. Lydia, we can’t help everyone. Stick to our plans. Such is life.”

Shaking her head. “Sometimes, I wonder if you ever consider others.”

They hit another couple around a corner. Caleb snapped instantaneously. “Watch your path!”

The shocked pair apologised loudly and rushed past. Lydia’s heart dropped.

Lydia spotted a glimmer of light overhead and an uncomfortable engine churning on the plane. Her discomfort grew. She said, “Caleb, do you hear that?”

This is normal. The planes generate noise. Stop worrying.” He turned the page of his magazine without looking at her.

“Our seats are in row thirteen,” Lydia murmured. “You were rude earlier. Karma works—”

“Don’t start with that superstitious nonsense,” Caleb rolled his eyes.

Before he could finish, the plane rocked violently. As overhead compartments opened, passengers yelled. Heavy luggage fell, just missing Caleb’s head. He chuckled. “That was close!”

“Close?!” At him, Lydia gasped. “You nearly crushed!”

The captain’s calm, steady voice filled the cabin. Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up. We have turbulence.”

Finally, the plane stabilized. The skipper told everyone the worst was gone. Caleb pretended nothing had happened despite the tension. He summoned a flight attendant.

“A suitcase nearly killed me. I think we deserve free drinks, he smugly replied.

Lydia was incredulous as the attendant smiled politely and handed two martinis. Caleb raised his glass. For surviving the ride.” After throwing it back, he took Lydia’s unfinished drink and drank it.

Seconds after, his face turned red. He gasped and choked furiously, hands to neck. His airway was blocked by a martini olive.

“Caleb!” Lydia leapt up. Instinct took control. Her arms around his waist pulled tightly. Once. Twice. His third thrust sent the olive bouncing off the seat ahead.

Coughing, he inhaled. He croaked, “Another martini—no olives this time,” after rasping, “I’m fine.”

At him, Lydia gasped. Please take this seriously, Caleb. You have heart disease.”

He grinned. “It takes more than an olive to knock me down.”

Trouble continued as the flight continued. A faint burning smell permeated the cabin. Smoke curled from a storage compartment.

Lydia took Caleb’s arm. “Something’s wrong.”

Flight attendants rushed extinguishers. Pushing forward, Caleb grabbed one. “Let me handle it.” After spraying till flames hissed, he puffed as passengers clapped. “See? No need to worry with me.”

Leaning closer, Lydia “Why must everything be a performance?”

He ignored her.

Lydia hesitated before speaking hours later as the plane flew smoothly again. “I must inform you. Denver offered me a job. Huge opportunity.”

Caleb suddenly awoke. “Denver? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?

“I didn’t know how,” she said. It may indicate that we are not on the same road following today’s events. I must consider my career.”

“Leaving everything here? Leave me?”

I’m not leaving you. About not sacrificing myself.”

Caleb’s mouth constricted. “If you take that job, we’re done.”

Her hurt grew as she glanced at him. “So your way or nothing?”

Their conversation ended silently.

Lydia tried again as the plane descended. “Caleb, your behavior today made me realize something. I need someone who actually gets me—

You broke up with me? he interrupted.

Her tears sting. “Yes. I can’t continue.”

Caleb stumbled up, holding his chest. Lydia—my heart! His anguish was accentuated.

She froze, scared. “Caleb, are you—?”

A harsh laugh followed. “Relax. You believed I was having a heart attack because you broke my heart?

“That’s not funny!” she said, shoving him.

Caleb’s grin disappeared as she stormed down the aisle. Once more, he gasped and clutched his chest. After losing color, he fell to the floor.

“Help! Someone help! Lydia kneeled and shouted.

A passenger identified as a nurse. “He has tachycardia—we must land!”

When the jet arrived at the gate, paramedics were ready. Caleb was taken through bright white hallways to the hospital with monitors buzzing madly.

“Where’s Dr. Harrington?” a doctor shouted.

“She couldn’t make her flight,” a nurse said.

Caleb’s disoriented mind caught the name. Harrington—airport woman. The doctor he discarded so easily. As darkness threatened to swallow him, he understood he needed her to survive.

In a hospital bed, Caleb woke hours later. Lydia sat beside him, pale and worried.

What happened? A raspy voice.

“You had a heart attack,” she murmured. «Dr. Harrington… she saved your life»

Julia entered calmly but firmly, as if beckoned.

“You,” Caleb croaked. His eyes lit up with recognition.

“Yes,” Julia answered. I arrived on charter jet for another patient. I guess you needed me too.”

Caleb’s pride fell. I mistreated you. I’m sorry. Thank you for saving me.”

Julia smiled briefly. Mr. Rivers, look after yourself. Not everyone gets a second chance.”

Silence followed her departure. With tears, Caleb looked at Lydia. I was a fool. Selfish. Blind. Pardon me.”

He held Lydia’s shaking hand. Let’s prioritize your rehabilitation. We’ll discuss anything else later.”

But Caleb shook his head faintly. “No. Take the job if you want it. You have my support this time. I want you to be happy—even without me.”

It caught her breath. Are you sure?

“Yes,” he muttered.

Lydia finally trusted him. She kissed his forehead and said, “Then maybe there’s hope for us yet.”

Caleb closed his eyes, humbled and grateful. He knew he had been given more than one second opportunity. It was his chance to change.