I booked skydiving in Dubai as a gift for my partner.

He’s always been afraid of heights, but he once told me he wanted to try skydiving at least once in his life, before turning 40. He’s only 30, but I like to plan ahead.

I booked it for both of us. I thought, why not share the experience together? But just before getting ready, my old knee injury started acting up. I thought I could manage, but when I told the staff I couldn’t straighten my left knee properly, they said it was too risky. They couldn’t let me go.

My partner had already gone up to the helicopter, thinking I was right behind him. One of the instructors had to break the news, saying his fiancée ‘has decided not to do it.’ That wasn’t true at all. I would’ve jumped in a heartbeat, but safety came first.

In the end, he did it alone. He faced his fear, and I was so proud of him. Even though I stayed on the ground, watching him land with the biggest smile reminded me why I’d booked it in the first place – to see him do something he never thought he could.