The unseen manager remained nearby.
Emily could feel his presence without seeing him.
She looked at Monica.
“Can I fix this?”
Monica shook her head.
“Not yet.”
Emily's eyes dropped.
“I didn't mean to embarrass you.”
“You did.”
“I was trying to protect the airline.”
Monica looked at her.
“You were protecting your assumption.”
Emily swallowed.
“That isn't fair.”
Monica's eyes sharpened.
“Was it fair when you looked at my coat?”
Emily remained silent.
“Was it fair when you looked at my handbag?”
Silence.
“Was it fair when you decided my ticket was fake without checking?”
Emily's shoulders lowered.
“No.”
Monica nodded.
“Then don't call it unfair when the truth catches up.”
Emily looked toward the manager's unseen position.
“What does he know?”
Monica answered calmly.
“Enough.”
Emily's expression changed.
“Enough to fire me?”
Monica paused.
“I didn't say that.”
“Then what happens?”
“That depends on what you do now.”
Emily looked at the torn ticket.
She slowly picked up both pieces.
“I'll replace it.”
Monica looked at her.
“You can't replace what you destroyed.”
Emily lowered her eyes.
“I know.”
For the first time, her voice sounded genuinely regretful.
Monica watched her quietly.
The anger remained.
But beneath it was something else.
Disappointment.