Victoria was escorted off the aircraft with her belongings, and Gerald chose to accompany her so that he could provide a statement separately. The captain informed the remaining passengers that the departure would be delayed while the airline addressed a safety matter.
I remained in my seat.
My mother sat beside me temporarily in the empty aisle seat.
For a few minutes, neither of us spoke.
Then she looked toward my face.
"How are your eyes?"
"Better."
"Your cheek?"
I swallowed.
"I'm okay."
She studied me.
"Amara."
I looked toward her.
Her voice softened.
"You don't have to say you're okay because other people are watching."
The words almost broke me.
I looked toward the window.
"I don't want to cry here."
She nodded.
"Then you don't have to."
We sat quietly.
A little later, Elena approached with water and asked whether I wanted medical assistance because of the perfume exposure and the physical contact. I agreed to be checked by the appropriate airport medical personnel before traveling.
The flight attendant also asked whether I wanted to move to another seat.
I looked at her.
"Why would I?"
She hesitated.
"I only meant if you'd feel more comfortable."
I took a breath.
"I understand."
Then I looked toward the empty place where Victoria had been sitting.
"But I don't want moving me to become the solution to what she did."
Elena nodded.
"That's fair."
My mother looked at me.
I could see both pride and worry in her expression.
She reached for my hand.
I let her hold it.
For several minutes, we sat together while the crew coordinated with the ground team.
Then Evelyn approached.
She stopped beside our row.
"Excuse me."
I looked up.
She smiled gently.
"My name is Evelyn Brooks."
I nodded.
"Amara."
"I know you've had a terrible morning. I just wanted you to know that I saved the original recording."
I looked at her.
"Thank you."
She hesitated.
"I haven't posted it anywhere."
My mother looked up.
Evelyn continued.
"I thought the footage should be given to the people investigating first. You should have some say in how your experience is shared."
Relief washed through me.