Elena nodded once.
“Then that’s something you should explain in your interview.”
Thomas gestured toward the jet bridge.
“Dana, please come with me.”
Dana looked at Elena again.
“Am I fired?”
“Your employment status is being reviewed,” Elena said. “You’ll have an opportunity to give your account.”
Dana seemed ready to plead.
Instead, she picked up her bag from the galley.
As she passed Elena, she whispered, “Please don’t ruin my career.”
Elena looked at her.
“This incident wasn’t caused by my position in the company.”
Dana lowered her eyes.
Then she left the aircraft with Thomas.
No one applauded.
The passengers had witnessed something uncomfortable, and many seemed uncertain what to do with it.
Elena appreciated the quiet.
She returned to seat 2A.
Rebecca leaned across the aisle.
“Are you all right?”
Elena fastened her seat belt.
“I will be.”
Rebecca glanced toward the open aircraft door.
“I heard what she said after finding out who you are.”
Elena nodded.
“So did I.”
“Doesn’t that make it worse?”
“It makes her explanation clearer.”
Rebecca considered that.
Then she put away her phone.
