Although the funeral was difficult, it was a heartfelt farewell to a woman who had supported me throughout my life.As I was packing my luggage, my mother remarked, “Are you sure you want to leave today?” “You can wait a few days if you need to just sit with this loss.” I gave her a somber smile.“I am aware,” I replied. But I have to return to Colin and my work now. As you are aware, my spouse struggles mightily without me.“I suppose it’s a good idea for you to be in your comfort zone,” she continued. “However, Dad and I have made the decision to remain until the end of the week in order to tidy Gran’s house and complete any outstanding tasks. I am aware that Dad is eager to return home.”I rubbed my belly and whispered, “I just wish Gran would have been around to see the baby.” “That’s what I’ve wanted all along.” “I understand, dear,” my mom remarked. It’s okay, sweetie, even though I wish you and Gran could have had that experience. When Gran most needed you, at least, you were there for her.”I was negotiating the lengthy lineups at the airport now. I had detested flying, but taking a plane home was a lot simpler than driving. My bladder was fighting me, and there was no way I could stay in the car for twelve hours. Nevertheless, I managed to board the aircraft and was prepared to return home to my spouse. The flight attendant said, “I’ll take that, ma’am,” and reached for my bag. I sat down and muttered, “Thank you,” my body itching for a nap. The woman sitting next to me stated, “Oh, I hate flying.” It’s the most awful. However, I detest driving as well. I ought to have stayed at home.”I almost chuckled, I was that much in agreement. I detested the turbulence that accompanied air travel. With every shock, I felt nervous and uncomfortable, like I was completely losing control. Even so, I couldn’t get rid of the sensation that someone was watching at me as I sat back, waiting for the plane to take off and bring me home. I spun around and saw a man eyeing me closely from a few rows back. I ignored him, dismissing his uncomfortable stare as the opinion of someone who would criticize a pregnant lady for traveling.The plane started to climb soon after, and the hum of the engines turned into a calming background noise.“At last,” exclaimed the woman next to me. “Let’s just get home.” I had no idea that what was going to happen was a nightmare. After we took off, a flight attendant came over to me and gave me a stern look. “Pardon me, ma’am. Her scent filled my nose as she begged, “Would you please come with me?” Her firm tone made it impossible for me to argue with her, even though I had no intention of getting up and going anywhere. So, with a heavy heart, I unbuckled my seat and accompanied her to the area off the restroom. Her attitude instantly shifted. She ordered, indicating to someone I couldn’t see, “You need to get on your knees immediately!”“What? Why? What took place?” I was astonished and let out a cry. “Now,” was all she said. Despite my shock and confusion, I obeyed because of something in her voice. I was kneeling and I had no idea what was going on. Nothing seemed to fit. Nothing I had done had gone wrong. The man who had been staring at me before came in at that same moment. Angry, he screamed, “Where is the golden necklace you stole?”. “What are you talking about?” I enquired. Nothing that I took was stolen! I just got back after attending my grandmother’s funeral.” He produced a series of pictures and documents and gave a little clucking sound with his tongue.Two days prior to the exhibit being relocated to the hotel, here you are at the museum. This is the same you from the hotel lobby where the necklace vanished. After you fled the hotel, we were able to trace you down to this aircraft.” I saw that the photos were blurry. They were obviously different from me, yet they did resemble me quite a bit.I said, “Look,” all of a sudden. “The woman in these pictures has some sort of wrist art, scar, or other marking. See! Nothing like that is mine.” The man pulled aggressively with his frigid hands as he examined my wrists. “Observe? Not a single tattoo. Not a scar. Nothing. You’re looking at the incorrect person. I persisted. “In addition, I’m expecting! The lady in the pictures isn’t.” I experienced a sharp wave of fear for my child. My kid laid there, mute in the heat of the moment. “Perhaps that serves as a disguise,” he retorted, unsure of himself. I wondered if the cops would be at the airport to greet me. and if I could avoid doing this. All I wanted was to see Colin at home.It seemed as though the thought of my spouse had roused the infant to consciousness. My gut gave me a sharp kick, causing me to react rashly. I took the man’s hand and put it on my stomach without thinking. I answered, “No, you can’t pretend this.” He let out a sigh, clearly relieved but also mortified.“I truly apologize. You resemble her quite a bit. I had no doubts that we were headed in the correct direction. To truly handle this, I have to wait till we are back on the ground.” “See, I understand,” I murmured. However, I’m not her. Feeling a little more at ease, I said, “I’m just trying to get home,” as I made an effort to stand again. We had no idea that the second installment of the horror was about to begin. The flight attendant suddenly produced a gun.“Enough already! Put your hands behind your backs, you two!” With her back to me, she retrieved zip ties from her pocket and tied the man’s hands first. She told him, “You’re not as stupid as you look.” “You were correct to follow me to the aircraft. However, you were thinking of the wrong individual. I acted out of yet another wave of anxiety for my child. I took advantage of the fact that she was standing with her back to me and gave her a forceful kick. She lost her balance and dropped the gun. He tackled her since she was preoccupied with talking to him and hadn’t finished zip-tying the man’s hands. We glimpsed the gold chain around her neck as he was doing it. Saying, “She’s the real thief,” he secured her. In an attempt to evade capture, she has been impersonating as different people. How she was able to board this flight as an attendant is beyond me.”“You have such courage to have taken this action. I appreciate you reaching her before she tied me up,” he remarked. I sighed and replied, “I was just afraid for my baby.” “I acted on instinct.” The man apologized to the crew and authorities throughout the remainder of the flight, and it was a flurry of explanations. “I’m Detective Connor,” he introduced himself and shook my hand. When the woman landed, she was taken into custody by the fifteen or so police officers who were waiting at the entrance.Connor said, “I really apologize for everything you’ve gone through.” “Just tell me what happened,” I said, desperate for an explanation before going in search of my spouse. “We have spent months following this woman. She’s been robbing expensive things and disguising herself in different ways to avoid being caught. I was tipped off that she would be traveling with us. “I just thought when I saw you and your hair,” he trailed off, obviously regretful. I said, “You thought I was her,” to wrap things up for him. “Well, I’m not. And you are aware today.”“Yes, Kayla, and I sincerely apologize for the error. I really hope you’ll pardon me.” I had a peculiar relief in spite of the experience. I felt at ease the moment I came through the doors and saw my husband standing there with a big smile on his face and yellow tulips. His words, “Welcome home,” drew me in an embrace. “I’m so glad you’re back.” In silence, we drove home and relished the chance to spend time together once more. However, I sat down with Colin when we came home and told him everything that had transpired on the flight.With wide eyes, he questioned, “Are you okay?” “Are you frightened? In order to make sure everything is alright, should we take you to the doctor?” “No,” I answered. “I’m absolutely fine, I just wanted to come back home to you.” My spouse smiled at me while placing his hands on my stomach.He kissed my stomach once more and whispered, “I’m glad you’re back.” How would you have responded in that situation?