PART 1
Daniel had never forgotten an anniversary in twelve years.
That was why Mercy believed her surprise would become one of the sweetest memories of their marriage. Her husband was a pilot, and their life had always bent around flight schedules, delays, and last-minute changes. Birthdays could move. Holidays could wait. But their anniversary had always been protected.
So when Daniel told her he had been assigned a short evening flight on their special day, he looked genuinely upset.
“I tried to switch it,” he said. “I hate that I won’t be with you tonight.”
Mercy smiled and pretended to be disappointed, but inside, an idea was already forming.
That night, after Daniel fell asleep, she bought a ticket for the same flight.
She imagined his face when he saw her after landing. She would wear the red dress he loved, surprise him at the destination, and they would still celebrate their anniversary together.
The next morning, she curled her hair, did her makeup carefully, and slipped into the dress. At the airport, she spotted Daniel near the gate in uniform and quickly hid behind a pillar before he could see her.
