Kayla was still reeling from the loss of her grandmother as she prepared to return home after the funeral. The emotional toll of the past few days weighed heavily on her, and at six months pregnant, she longed for the comfort of her own bed. The funeral had been a bittersweet farewell to a woman who had been a steadfast support throughout her life.
As she packed her suitcase, her mother expressed concern. “Are you sure you want to leave today? You can take a few more days to process this loss,” she suggested gently. Kayla offered a sad smile, knowing that she needed to return to her responsibilities and her husband, Colin, who struggled to manage without her.
“I know,” Kayla replied. “But I need to get back to work and to Colin. He really needs me right now.” Her mother nodded, understanding but still worried. “Your dad and I will stay a few more days to sort out Gran’s house. I know he’s eager to get home, but we’ll manage.”
Kayla sighed, wishing her grandmother could have been there to meet her baby. “I just wish Gran could have seen the baby,” she murmured, rubbing her belly. Her mother comforted her, reminding her that she had been there for her grandmother in her final moments.
Navigating the airport was a challenge, especially with her discomfort from pregnancy. Flying was preferable to a long car ride, so she boarded the plane, eager to return home. As she settled into her seat, a flight attendant took her bag, and she exchanged pleasantries with the woman sitting next to her, who shared her own dislike for flying.
As the plane took off, Kayla felt a strange sensation, as if someone was watching her. She glanced back and noticed a man a few rows behind, his gaze fixed on her. Dismissing it as judgment from a stranger, she tried to relax as the engines hummed around her.
However, her sense of calm was shattered when a flight attendant approached her with a stern expression. “Excuse me, ma’am. Could you please come with me?” she said, her tone leaving no room for refusal. Kayla followed, confused and anxious, only to be met with an unexpected command to kneel.
“What? Why? What’s happening?” she stammered, bewildered. The man who had been watching her stepped forward, accusing her of stealing a golden necklace. Kayla was taken aback, insisting she was innocent and just returning from her grandmother’s funeral.
The man presented photographs that bore a resemblance to her, but she pointed out a distinguishing mark that she lacked. “Look, I don’t have any tattoos or scars! I’m pregnant! I’m not the person you’re looking for!” she pleaded, panic rising within her.
Just then, her baby kicked, prompting her to impulsively place the man’s hand on her belly. “You can’t fake this!” she insisted. The man’s demeanor softened, realizing his mistake, but before they could breathe a sigh of relief, the flight attendant revealed a gun, ordering them both to comply.
In a moment of instinctive bravery, Kayla kicked the flight attendant, causing her to stumble and drop the weapon. The man seized the opportunity and tackled her, revealing the gold necklace she had not noticed before. “She’s the real thief!” he declared, securing her as Kayla’s heart raced with fear for her baby.
After the chaos subsided, the man introduced himself as Detective Connor, apologizing for the misunderstanding. Kayla felt a mix of relief and exhaustion as they landed, where authorities awaited the flight attendant’s arrest.
Connor explained that they had been tracking the thief for months, and he had mistakenly identified Kayla due to her resemblance. “I’m truly sorry for what you’ve been through,” he said earnestly.
As Kayla stepped off the plane, she spotted Colin waiting for her with a bouquet of yellow tulips and a warm smile. “Welcome home,” he said, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. They drove home in silence, savoring the moment together. Once home, Kayla recounted the harrowing experience to Colin, who listened intently, concern etched on his face.
“Are you okay? Should we see a doctor?” he asked, his worry palpable. Kayla reassured him, “I’m fine. I just wanted to come back to you.” Colin placed his hands on her belly, smiling as he kissed it, grateful to have her back safe and sound.