Emily picked up the boarding pass.
She turned it over.
Then back again.
She examined the printed details.
Monica watched silently.
For a moment, Emily seemed uncertain.
Then she recovered.
“See?”
Monica waited.
“There are discrepancies.”
“Which ones?”
Emily hesitated.
“The formatting.”
Monica looked at the paper.
“What formatting?”
Emily couldn't answer immediately.
Monica noticed.
Her eyes became sharper.
“You said there were discrepancies.”
“Yes.”
“Which ones?”
Emily swallowed.
“It doesn't look right.”
Monica nodded.
“That isn't the same thing.”
Emily's face reddened slightly.
“You don't need to challenge every word I say.”
“I wouldn't have to if you were checking the ticket.”
Emily slammed the boarding pass lightly against the counter.
“I've already told you.”
Monica's voice dropped.
“And I've already asked you.”
The two women stared at each other.
The atmosphere became heavier.
Emily finally picked up the ticket again.
Her fingers tightened around it.
Monica noticed the movement.
“Be careful with that.”
Emily looked at her.
“Why?”
“Because it's mine.”
Emily gave a faint smile.
“Not for much longer.”
Monica's eyes remained fixed on her.
She had no idea how literal those words were about to become.