I covered my mouth.
Dad cleared his throat.
“Now, can we please stop making a production out of an old man’s career?”
Someone nearby began clapping.
Then another person joined in.
Within seconds, nearly the entire gate was applauding.
Dad looked horrified.
I laughed through my tears.
Then the woman in the expensive suit appeared near the boarding lane.
She looked from Dad to the pilots.
“I didn’t realize who he was.”
I stood.
“You shouldn’t have needed to.”
“I was in a hurry.”
“So was everyone.”
“I already said I didn’t know.”
She looked at Dad.
“I wouldn’t have said anything if I’d known.”
Dad slowly rose.
“That’s the problem.”
The people around us went quiet.
“Ma’am, I’m not offended because you didn’t recognize me. I’m offended that you think recognizing me should have made a difference.”
She said nothing.
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“You don’t need to know what an old person did 30 or 40 years ago to give them 30 extra seconds.”
“You shouldn’t need to know their past to treat them with respect,” I added.
Her face reddened.
The security supervisor stepped forward.
“Ma’am, your group hasn’t been called yet. Please step out of the boarding lane and wait with the other passengers.”
