Rejecting Love for Aviation

Once again, I find myself back at the moment when Colin Evans swiped the fabric vouchers I had painstakingly collected over three years to woo his childhood sweetheart. This time, instead of tears or outbursts, I calmly turned around and retrieved the wedding invitations. In my previous life, Colin and I were married for fifty-eight years, during which he consistently subjected me to emotional neglect. I managed the household and cared for his parents, only to fall ill with cancer at an early age. When I needed financial support, he used our savings to buy a house for his old flame. In this new life, I am determined to rise above, focusing on contributing to our nation's aviation efforts rather than clinging to insignificant affections.

“What’s the big deal about a few fabric vouchers?” Colin glared at me, his face contorted with anger. Behind him, Julissa Snyder cried melodramatically, “It’s all my fault, getting between you and Alice.” “I’ll take off my dress and give it to her,” Julissa offered. The sight of that dress made my stomach churn. In my past life, I had saved those vouchers for three years, just so I could wear something beautiful at my wedding. But he had taken them to win favor with this manipulative woman. Now, as this scene unfolds again, I find myself surprisingly calm, unlike the hysteria of my former self.

Colin gently patted Julissa’s shoulder. “There’s no need for that; she’s just overreacting,” he said dismissively. “A clumsy tomboy like her wouldn’t look good in anything.” Those derogatory terms he frequently used still stung just as much now. I spoke slowly, “Our wedding is next month. Isn’t it reasonable for me to buy a nice outfit with three years’ worth of vouchers?” Colin’s face tensed, yet he stubbornly insisted, “What’s done is done, let’s not blow it out of proportion.” Whenever he was at fault, he always tried to smooth things over superficially.

Julissa handed me a cup of coffee, whispering timidly, “Don’t be upset, Alice. Have some coffee.” “I didn’t mean it. I’ll find you some more vouchers later.” Initially, I didn’t want to accept, but my throat was indeed dry, so I reached out to take it. The cup was scalding; I flinched, spilling its contents over myself. “Ouch, that’s hot!” I exclaimed, stepping back reflexively. Julissa’s face turned pale. “I’m sorry, Alice. You shouldn’t blame me like that...” she cried, covering her face and running out.

Seeing this, Colin’s demeanor shifted immediately. He pointed at me, shouting, “Not only are you petty, but you never let things go. You’re unworthy of being a soldier!” With that, he stormed off after her without a backward glance. Watching him rush away, my heart felt ice-cold. In my past life, I had reacted with a huge argument, only to receive a slap in return. This time, even speaking calmly yielded no better result. So why should I continue to wrong myself?

I took a deep breath and headed straight to Richard Price’s office. I intended to call off our engagement. I was done with this marriage! I recounted the whole situation to Mr. Price, firmly stating my intention not to marry. Mr. Price listened intently, frowning in silence before finally responding slowly, “Alice, I understand you’re hurt, but marriage is a big decision. It needs to be considered carefully.” “Mr. Price, I’ve thought it through,” I replied with conviction. “I refuse to waste my youth on someone unworthy.”

“Rather than languishing in an unhappy marriage, I would apply to become a test pilot in the Western Command and make a real difference.” Mr. Price looked at me, eyes full of admiration. “Good! That’s the spirit I hoped for! If that’s your decision, I support you. I’ll expedite your application. Take back the wedding invitations,” he said, handing them back with a sigh.

I asked him to keep this in confidence, and he readily agreed, lamenting, “Colin is such a fool. I’ll give him a stern talking-to.” I declined, not wanting to complicate matters further. The idea of soaring the skies as a female pilot was more than enough for me. In my past life, I had given up my uniform due to Colin’s disdain for female soldiers, confining myself to the kitchen and domestic chores after marriage. Watching my peers take to the skies on television was like a persistent needle pricking at my heart.