I appreciated her direct manner.
She didn't call the incident a misunderstanding.
She didn't ask whether I might have interpreted Victoria's words incorrectly.
Instead, she asked me to describe what happened in chronological order.
I began at the gate.
I explained seeing Victoria speak with the airline staff.
Then I described boarding, sitting in 2A, and being questioned about whether my ticket was legitimate.
Denise took notes.
She asked what Victoria said.
I repeated the words as accurately as I could.
When I reached the perfume incident, my hands began shaking again.
Denise paused.
"Would you like a break?"
I nodded.
My mother remained beside me, but she didn't answer questions on my behalf.
That was important to me.
I wanted the record to reflect my experience in my own words.
After a few minutes, I continued.
I described the spit, the napkin, Evelyn's recording, and the arrival of the ground supervisors.
Then I asked about the false report.
Denise looked down at her notebook.
"We're reviewing that separately."
I nodded.
"Can I see what it says?"
She hesitated.
"We're working through the proper process for providing the information associated with your record."
I looked at her.
"Can you at least tell me whether it's still there?"
She nodded.
"The original entry has been preserved for investigation. Its disputed status has been noted, and it isn't being treated as an established finding against you."
I exhaled.
That was the first time anyone had clearly explained what the airline was doing with the accusation.
Then Denise added, "We also need to understand why it was entered before the reported cabin interaction could have occurred."
I looked toward my mother.
She remained silent.
But I could tell she was listening closely.
Denise asked one more question.
"Did anyone at the gate suggest that your seat might be reassigned?"
I thought carefully.
Then I remembered Victoria speaking to the employee.
The gesture toward me.
The older supervisor behind the podium.
"No one told me directly," I said.
Denise nodded.
"Did you hear any part of their conversation?"