Some simply looked away.
Janet watched the clock.
“Sir, return to your seat.”
Dr. Chen looked back at Edna.
Then at Janet.
“If something happens to her, you will have to explain why you ignored a physician warning you about a life-threatening condition.”
For a moment, Janet paused.
But only for a moment.
Then her expression hardened.
“Thank you for your concern.”
“But I know what I’m doing.”
“Please return to your seat, or I will request security assistance.”
Dr. Chen stood there in disbelief.
He had treated emergencies his entire career.
But he had never felt this powerless.
Edna’s condition continued deteriorating.
Her lips had begun changing color.
Her body shook as she fought for another breath.
Then Janet reached for the communication device attached to her uniform.
She pressed the button.
Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
“TSA security.”
“This is lead flight attendant Janet Morrison on Delta Flight 447 at gate 27.”
“We require immediate assistance to remove a passenger carrying illegal medication.”
The words shocked the cabin.
Illegal medication.
Those words changed how many people looked at Edna.
A woman who had been struggling for her life was suddenly described as a suspect.
“No,” Dr. Chen said immediately.
His voice rose with urgency.
“No, this is a serious mistake.”
“She is not carrying illegal substances.”
“That is her asthma medication.”
“I have told you repeatedly that she could die without it.”
Janet looked at him.
“I am following safety procedures.”
“You are welcome to have your opinion.”
“But I am responsible for this aircraft.”
Dr. Chen looked around.
“Please.”
“Someone has to speak up.”
“This woman is suffering because of a misunderstanding.”
But once again, silence filled the cabin.
Nobody wanted to challenge Janet directly.
Nobody wanted to become involved.
Meanwhile, Laura’s livestream continued spreading.
The number of viewers climbed.
People watching online were reacting with shock and anger.
Laura looked into her phone.
“Everyone needs to see this.”
“This elderly woman is having a medical emergency, and they are treating her like a criminal.”
But Janet did not know how many people were watching.
She did not know every word was being recorded.
She did not know the situation was becoming impossible to contain.
Less than a minute later, two TSA officers boarded the aircraft.
Janet immediately pointed toward Edna.
“The passenger in this row is carrying illegal medication and causing a disturbance.”
“I need her removed immediately.”
The officers looked toward Edna.
They saw an elderly woman barely conscious in her seat.
They hesitated.
Something about the situation did not match Janet’s description.
Before they could respond, Dr. Chen stepped forward.
“Please listen to me.”
“I am a physician.”
“This woman is suffering from a severe asthma attack.”
“Removing her without her medication could put her life at risk.”