Eric’s shouting wasn’t heard only by the passengers. Two airport staff members and a police officer approached the counter. A woman in uniform said calmly:

— Sir, please calm down, you’re disturbing the other passengers.

But my son became even more agitated, started defending himself, waving his arms, and yelling at me again while pointing his finger at me:

— It’s her fault! She ruins everything! I… I shouldn’t have brought her at all!

After several warnings, the staff announced that they were forced to detain him for aggressive behavior and disturbing the peace.

His wife turned pale. My grandson started crying. And Eric was taken away while they explained that he could face either a fine or even a deportation notice — the decision would be made after the incident was officially recorded.

Then the staff member turned to me and said:

— Ma’am, your ticket has already been paid for. All on us. You can go home.

She added quietly but firmly:

— We couldn’t stand by and watch the way he treated you.