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.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
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