“Then let's get you into the chair slowly.”
A stranger nearby stepped forward to help.
Together, they lifted Harold.
Once he was seated, Ethan gave him the water bottle he'd been saving for his break.
Harold drank.
Then looked at the teenager's badge.
“Ethan Carter.”
“That's me.”
“You left your station.”
Ethan glanced over his shoulder.
“I noticed.”
Harold smiled faintly.
Then Reeves arrived.
“You were told not to leave.”
Ethan stood.
“He fell.”
“And medical was coming.”
“He was lying on the floor.”
“You had instructions.”
Ethan's voice became quieter.
“I couldn't just watch him.”
Reeves stared at him.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Reeves said:
“Give me your badge.”
Ethan's stomach dropped.
“Sir?”
“You're done.”
The airport noise seemed to disappear.
Ethan stared at him.
“You're firing me?”
“You abandoned your post.”
“I helped someone.”
“You ignored a direct instruction.”
“He was alone.”
“That doesn't change the rule.”
Ethan reached for his badge.
His fingers trembled.
He thought about his mother.