Derek had been grinning since you boarded the plane, and you should have known that meant trouble.

You‘d planned this trip to Dubai for months. Derek was the pilot on the flight, and for once, you got to sit in the passenger cabin instead of waving goodbye from the terminal. You were buckled into Row 9, Seat A, enjoying the excitement of takeoff, when his voice suddenly came over the intercom.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention to the safety demonstration.”

So far, completely normal.

Then he paused, just long enough for your stomach to drop.

“And today, we have a very special guest on board,”

he continued, his voice far too amused.

“My wife is sitting in Row 9, Seat A. Please give her a loud applause to help embarrass her.”

For half a second, there was silence.

Then the cabin erupted.

Applause, laughter, a few cheers. Someone behind you whistled. You felt your face heat up instantly as people turned in their seats to look at you. You raised one hand in a tiny wave, half laughing, half wishing you could disappear into the seat cushion.

“Thank you, everyone,”

Derek added cheerfully over the speakers.

“I’ll probably have to deal with the consequences after landing.”

The applause grew even louder.