Emergency Landing in the Enemy's Heart

The turbulence started three hours into the flight. First just small bumps, then violent jolts that had the entire plane shaking. I gripped the armrests, knuckles white, as my stomach lurched with each drop.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking." The voice crackled over the intercom. "We're experiencing some unexpected severe weather. Please remain in your seats with your seatbelts fastened."

The elderly woman next to me clutched her rosary beads, mumbling prayers under her breath. Outside the window, lightning flashed across pitch-black clouds.

Another violent drop sent my heart into my throat. The oxygen masks deployed, dangling in front of our faces like macabre puppets. Screams erupted throughout the cabin.

"This is an emergency announcement," the captain's voice came again, tension evident despite his professional tone. "Due to deteriorating weather conditions, we are being diverted for an emergency landing. Please prepare for landing procedures."