Emily looked at the clock.
Then at Monica.
“We have other passengers waiting.”
Monica glanced behind her.
There was no visible crowd.
Only the empty counter area and the quiet terminal beyond it.
She looked back at Emily.
“There doesn't seem to be anyone waiting.”
Emily's expression hardened.
“That's not the point.”
“What is the point?”
“The point is that your ticket isn't valid.”
“You haven't checked it.”
“I've checked enough.”
Monica slowly picked up her handbag.
She didn't leave.
Instead, she placed the bag beside her and folded her hands.
“Why are you so certain?”
Emily stared at her.
“Because I've worked this desk for years.”
“Experience is useful.”
Emily waited.
“But certainty without evidence isn't.”
Emily's lips pressed together.
“You're making this unnecessarily difficult.”
Monica looked directly into her eyes.
“No.”
A pause.
“You are.”
Emily's nostrils flared slightly.
For the first time, the professional smile disappeared completely.
She leaned toward Monica.
“Ma'am, I am telling you that this ticket is not valid.”
Monica didn't blink.
“Then prove it.”
Emily looked at the ticket.
Then at Monica.
Something about the woman's composure irritated her more than the argument itself.