A distraught mom loses her cool when barred from boarding the flight. “You don’t understand! I need to see my baby!” she screams, but it’s all for naught. In the end, she receives help from the most unexpected place.
When Caitlyn and Declan Cooper welcomed their son, Eden, Caitlyn decided to step up on the household front and embrace her mommy duties, making Declan the family’s primary breadwinner.
However, a few months after Caitlyn became a full-time mom, Declan noticed how tired she looked. She hardly had any time to herself and couldn’t sleep well since Eden would wake her in the middle of the night.
So on Catilyn’s birthday, Declan surprised her with flight tickets to Japan for a trip with her friends, ensuring that he’d stay behind to care for Eden alone. Caitlyn was reluctant to go, figuring everything would be too much for Declan to manage on his own. But he insisted, and she agreed.
Caitlyn was barred from boarding a flight. | Source: Shutterstock
A week later, after Declan and Eden dropped her off at the airport, Caitlyn badly missed them already. Even as she settled on the plane, her thoughts were preoccupied with whether Declan would be able to care for Eden on his own.
From the minute she arrived in Japan, she called Declan every hour to check on how things were going at home. Her friends mocked her and laughed at her, saying she was just being paranoid about the whole thing.
But only Caitlyn knew how hard it was to subdue the unsettling fear in her heart that something dreadful was about to happen. She didn’t know it would happen so soon…
Three days into their vacation, Caitlyn and her friends were at a beachside party. Her friends Amanda, Sophie, and Veronica were ogling their eyes over the shirtless men, complimenting their hot bodies, but Caitlyn … she was just lost.
“Hey, Caitlyn,” Sophie whispered, interrupting her thoughts. “Where are you even, babe? Just look at that guy. Damn, he’s hot….”
Caitlyn and her friends were enjoying a beach party. | Source: Unsplash
“Ughh,” Caitlyn sighed. “I’m just not in the mood right now, Sophie. I – I want to go back to the hotel. I’m sorry.”
Sophie frowned. “Is this about your baby and husband again? Look, Caitlyn, I understand you’re a new mom and all that, but stop being such a bore here, okay? You know what, it’s because you’re too engrossed in that stupid phone! Give it here!” Sophie tried to snatch Catilyn’s phone from her grasp.
“STOP IT, SOPHIE!” Caitlyn screamed, jerking Sophie’s hand away and drawing Veronica and Amanda’s attention away from the loud music. “I told you I am not interested! To hell with you and your party!”
Caitlyn stormed back to the hotel room, agitated, and she was pacing across the room frantically as she tried to get Declan to answer the phone. Back at the beach, she’d already tried contacting him three times, and now there were a total of 10 attempts with no news from Declan.
Caitlyn’s heart dropped to the floor at that point, and as a last resort, she called their next-door neighbor, Mrs. Louis, to check on Declan and Eden, but the call went unattended. Sophie was bawling like a child at this point, unsure of what to do.
Caitlyn was dead scared when Declan didn’t answer his phone. | Source: Unsplash
Suddenly, her phone rang, and it was Mrs. Louis on the other end. But in addition to Mrs. Louis’ voice, Caitlyn also heard some commotion in the background.
“Mrs. Louis!” cried Caitlyn. “Declan…he’s not returning my calls. Could you please check in on him and Eden for me? Please? I’m in Japan right now, and….”
“Caitlyn! Oh, I’m so glad you are safe, honey. There – There was a fire at your house, and the firemen… they’re still trying to put it out…”
“Fire?” Caitlyn’s heart skipped a beat. “Hello? Mrs. Louis?” The phone call was abruptly disconnected.
Caitlyn tried again, but it was all for naught. She panicked at this point and dashed back to the beach.
“Caitlyn, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Sophie asked, concerned.
“Oh my god! Dec – Declan and Eden…there was….”
Caitlyn broke down after she learned her house was engulfed in a fire. | Source: Unsplash
“Okay, cool down, okay…” Amanda wrapped her arms around her and comforted her. “Did something happen at home?”
Still sobbing, Caitlyn told them what transpired, insisting to go home right then. Her friends accompanied her to the airport, but sadly, when Caitlyn checked for a flight back home, she discovered that all flights to New York were fully booked.
“I guess we’ll have to wait, Caitlyn,” Amanda said gently. “Let’s hope everything turns out okay.”
“Hell no! I am going home right now!”
Caitlyn began to plead desperately with nearly every customer at the check-in counter to sell her their ticket to New York. But she was met with dismay because hardly anyone understood English and those who did refused her.
Finally, an old woman approached her and offered to help her.
“Hello, are you the one wanting to buy a ticket?” she inquired gently.
A woman came to Caitlyn’s rescue. | Source: Unsplash
“Oh yes!” Caitlyn nodded desperately. “I am ready to give you whatever price you want and even my diamond earrings, please! I need to get home to my husband and baby. Please!” she said, ready to offer the diamond earrings that were Declan’s wedding anniversary gift to her.
The woman handed her her ticket with a gentle grin. “There’s no need for that. You can have this. I’m Brenda White, by the way.”
“Oh my God! Thank you so much! I’m Caitlyn – Caitlyn Cooper. Trust me, I’ll forever be grateful to you!”
“You better get going,” the woman said. “Your flight takes off soon.”
“Of course, thank you!”
Caitlyn was over the moon, but her joy was short-lived when she was barred from the flight. “I’m sorry, ma’am,” the ground stewardess at the check-in counter said after checking her passport. “The name on your passport does not match the name on your ticket. You cannot board this flight.”
“Listen, you don’t understand! I need to see my baby!” Caitlyn screamed. “Please let me go! It’s urgent. I can’t afford to waste time here!”
Catilyn was stopped at the check-in counter. | Source: Unsplash
“Sorry, ma’am, but that’s the protocol. Please step back,” the staff member replied flatly.
Caitlyn was about to burst into tears when another member of the staff approached her. “You may go, ma’am,” she said. “We have received word about your situation, so it’s all good.”
Caitlyn was so panicked that she didn’t even wait to hear how she was suddenly allowed on the flight. She was just anxious to get home – to Declan and Eden.
Several hours later, she arrived home and saw a half-burnt structure standing in place of what used to be her home, with no sign of Eden and Declan.
Caitlyn went to Mrs. Louis’ house, shivering in horror as she wondered where her husband and child were.
Mrs. Louis consoled Caitlyn. | Source: Pexels
Mrs. Louis informed her that Declan and Eden were taken to the hospital immediately after the accident and were admitted there. Caitlyn rushed to the hospital and learned from doctors that their condition wasn’t bad, but they needed to be monitored for a while. It turned out there was a short circuit at their home, resulting in a fire.
Caitlyn couldn’t stop crying when she saw Eden and Declan wrapped in bandages and with bruises on their faces. But she was relieved that they were still alive and safe.
When they were discharged about two weeks later, they stayed at Mrs. Louis’ place while their house was being repaired. It was during that time that Caitlyn told Declan about how an elderly lady had helped her.
Declan suggested they thank her, so they started looking for her on Facebook. But when Caitlyn found her, she almost collapsed to the floor. The woman was the airline owner’s mother. She had posted several pictures with her son. No wonder the staff gave her a pass.
Declan and Catilyn messaged her via Facebook, wanting to thank her, and a few days later, they got a reply. Mrs. White arrived for dinner with a beautiful bouquet, having accepted their dinner invitation, and she got acquainted with not only Catilyn’s family but also Mrs. Louis. The families have been close to each other ever since.
What can we learn from this story?
- Family is your greatest treasure. When she learned Declan and Eden were in trouble, Caitlyn was ready to spare anything, ever her diamond earrings, just for a ticket back home.
- Always be there for your loved ones. Caitlyn always prioritized her family, and she was there for them when they needed her the most.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who discovers a chest while digging in her backyard and opens it only 3 years later.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
My Family Had Been Feuding with the Neighbors for Years, but Everything Got Worse When I Met Him Again – Story of the Day
My family’s feud with the neighbors had lasted for decades, filled with constant arguments and petty battles. I thought I’d left it all behind, but coming home for Christmas brought the chaos back. Then I saw him again—the man I wasn’t supposed to care about—and everything became even more complicated.
I couldn’t remember how it started or what caused the very first fight, but the Rogers family had been the main enemy of my family ever since we moved into this house 20 years ago.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
It felt like every day brought a new reason for conflict—whether it was the placement of the fence, an offhand comment, or even the weather.
At first, it was just my dad and Mr. Rogers bickering, their raised voices carrying across the yard.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
My mom, ever the optimist, tried baking pies for Mrs. Rogers or complimenting her garden.
But the day Mrs. Rogers accidentally trampled my mom’s beloved roses, all attempts at peace were over.
For me, though, it was different. I had Mike. He was my age, and despite the feud, we became secret friends. We knew the truth would only cause trouble.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Everything changed one day when we were both 14. I came home and froze as I saw my parents, red-faced and shouting in the living room.
“How could you be friends with that boy?!” my dad yelled, slamming his hand on the table.
“After everything that family has done to us?!” my mom added, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“What? I don’t understand…” I said, my voice shaking.
“Don’t play innocent with us!” my dad snapped. “We caught that boy climbing the tree to your window. He said he wanted to surprise you for your birthday!”
I stared at them, stunned. “I didn’t—” The words caught in my throat.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You will not see him again,” my mom said firmly, pointing toward my room.
“But why?!” I shouted, my chest tightening. “Why can’t I be friends with Mike just because you can’t stand the Rogers?!”
“That family has caused us enough trouble!” my dad bellowed.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Mike hasn’t done anything wrong!” I shot back. “And don’t act like you’re saints. You’ve done awful things to them too!”
“Go to your room!” my dad roared. “You’re grounded! No more Mike—ever!”
Furious, I ran to my room and slammed the door so hard the walls seemed to shake. Every few minutes, I glanced out the window, hoping to see Mike.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
When his light finally came on, I felt a flicker of hope, but then he pulled his curtains shut without even looking my way. My chest ached as I cried until I couldn’t anymore.
At school the next day, I tried to talk to him, but he turned away like I wasn’t even there.
Soon, his friends started spreading cruel rumors. I knew Mike could stop it if he wanted, but he didn’t say a word.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The lies grew worse, and I couldn’t take it anymore. When my parents saw how much it hurt me, they decided I needed to switch schools.
Many years have passed since then. I was almost 30 now, far from that 14-year-old girl, but some wounds lingered.
The sting of those childhood memories wasn’t as sharp, but they hadn’t completely faded either.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Sometimes I wondered why I still cared at all, especially since no one else seemed to have changed.
When I came home for Christmas, the first sight that greeted me was my dad and Mr. Rogers standing outside, yelling at each other.
“Your decorations aren’t even a meter tall!” Mr. Rogers yelled, pointing at our yard.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Well, your lights couldn’t even light up a closet!” my dad shot back, crossing his arms.
“Hi, Dad,” I said, dragging my suitcase past them, but he didn’t even glance my way.
“Of course, Mr. Rogers is more important than your daughter, who you haven’t seen in six months,” I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Inside, I found my mom peering out the kitchen window.
“Hi, Mom,” I said, setting my bag down.
“Oh, Alice, come look!” she said, waving me over with urgency. “I think that woman stole my pie recipe!”
I stepped up to the window, confused. “What are you talking about?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Look at her! She’s using the same spices as me!” Mom declared, pointing at Mrs. Rogers.
“How can you even see that from here?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I know it!” she insisted, shaking her head.
“This is ridiculous,” I said, turning to leave for my old room.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Everything in my room was exactly as I had left it. The posters still hung on the walls, and my old books sat neatly on the shelves.
I wandered to the window, glancing outside. Across the yard, a light shone in Mike’s room, catching my attention.
My heart skipped as he appeared in the window. I hadn’t seen him in many years.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mom said he went abroad to study and then stayed there. He looked so different—no longer the boy I once knew, but a man, confident and undeniably handsome.
I raised my hand, giving him a small wave. For a second, I thought he might wave back.
Instead, he pulled his curtains closed, shutting me out completely. My chest tightened, anger bubbling up.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
How could he? We had been friends once, yet he ignored me now like I didn’t exist.
That evening, after my parents finally stopped bickering with the Rogers, we ate dinner in tense silence.
The next morning, Mom handed me a shopping list. “We need this for Christmas dinner,” she said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
After I finished shopping and walked to the parking lot, I stopped short. There he was—Mike.
“Hey,” I said, stepping toward him. Mike glanced at me but kept walking, ignoring me completely.
“Seriously?” I snapped. “I should be the one ignoring you after everything you did to me!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mike froze, then turned to face me, his eyes blazing. “After everything I did?” he shouted.
“Oh, so you can talk?” I yelled back. “Yes, after what you did! You ignored me, let your friends spread lies about me, and then you just disappeared abroad without a word!”
“Are you kidding me? Don’t pretend you don’t know,” Mike said, his voice rising. “You lied to your parents and told them I was stealing from you! I got grounded for a month because of that! And I liked you, Alice—I was in love with you!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“What are you even talking about?” I shouted, throwing up my hands. “I defended you! I got grounded for standing up for you! Where did you get that crazy idea?”
“My dad told me,” Mike said, his tone harsh but uncertain now.
“Your dad, the same guy who hates my family?” I asked, shaking my head. “And you believed him?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mike looked down, his shoulders tense. “I felt betrayed,” he admitted. “And he said he wouldn’t pay for college if I kept seeing you.”
“They threatened me too,” I said, my voice softer now, “but I still tried. You acted like I didn’t exist. And now, almost 30 years old, you’re still holding onto this?”
Mike sighed, his voice low. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t have believed him. I was a jerk.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Better late than never,” I said with a faint smile. “Want to grab a bite to eat?”
“I’d love to,” Mike replied, his face relaxing into a small smile.
As we walked toward a nearby café, I teased, “So, you were in love with me?”
“Shut up,” he said, grinning.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The days before Christmas passed quickly as Mike and I spent every moment we could together.
It felt like being kids again, sneaking around to avoid our parents, sharing stories, and laughing at memories we thought we had forgotten. We talked about everything, making up for lost time.
One evening, just before Christmas, Mike grinned at me. “Let’s climb the tree, like old times,” he said. I couldn’t resist.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Hope there’s mistletoe up there,” Mike said, grinning as he climbed the tree.
I laughed, glancing up at him. “Still in love with me?” I teased, keeping my voice light.
Mike stopped climbing for a moment and looked down at me. “All over again,” he said, his voice serious. I felt my cheeks flush and looked away, trying to focus on the next branch.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
We climbed higher, but suddenly, I heard a crack. “Mike, wait—” I started, but it was too late.
The branch beneath his foot snapped, and he fell straight onto me. We hit the ground with a thud, tangled together in a heap.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice breathless.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I nodded, then burst out laughing. “You’ve gained weight,” I said, looking at him with mock judgment.
“I’m light as a feather,” he shot back, holding my gaze.
We both stopped laughing, the air between us changing. His face was so close I could see every detail.
Slowly, he leaned in and kissed me. I smiled against his lips, my heart pounding.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“What on earth is going on?!” my dad’s voice roared from behind us.
“This is outrageous!” Mrs. Rogers shrieked.
We scrambled to our feet, turning to see our parents glaring at each other.
“How dare you touch my daughter?!” my mom shouted, stepping forward.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The yelling grew louder, insults flying back and forth. Mike and I exchanged a look of pure frustration.
“Enough!” Mike yelled, his voice cutting through the chaos. “I’m sick of your fights! You’re adults, but you act like children! Alice and I aren’t teenagers anymore, and I won’t let you interfere in our lives!”
Grabbing my hand, he pulled me toward his car.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Where are you going?!” Mrs. Rogers shouted.
“If you can’t behave, we’ll spend Christmas Eve at a hotel!” Mike called. “Anywhere is better than here!”
We checked into the only hotel in town. It was small, with an artificial fireplace in the room. We sat by it, letting the silence settle around us.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I didn’t expect that speech from you,” I said, glancing at Mike.
He looked at the flames. “I’ve had enough of their fights. It was one of the reasons I moved abroad. I thought I could escape it all. But leaving meant losing you, and I won’t let that happen again.”
His words made me smile. I leaned in and kissed him softly, but a knock at the door interrupted us.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mike stood up to open it, and to our shock, all four parents were there.
“We’re sorry,” my dad said, looking awkward.
“We shouldn’t have reacted that way,” Mr. Rogers added.
“You’re adults, and we can’t tell you what to do,” Mrs. Rogers admitted.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Now get your butts back home for Christmas Eve dinner,” my mom said firmly.
“You won’t fight?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“We’ll manage for one evening,” my mom promised.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“If we’re dating, it’ll be more than one evening,” Mike said, squeezing my hand.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” my dad muttered.
We laughed, left the hotel, and returned home. Dinner still had its moments of tension, but it felt like progress.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: A struggling actress takes an unusual job after being hired by a wealthy man’s mother to pose as his girlfriend and sabotage his upcoming wedding. But as she spends more time with him and his fiancée, she questions her actions and the price of her desperation. What will she choose?
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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