Carly looks to you with a panicked expression on her face. I didn't do anything wrong, I swear! Please tell them Dad
WaterfallMystic
"Hey, I'm right here. Just calm down." I say as I put my arm around her shoulder.
Carly leans into your embrace, feeling comforted by your presence. She takes a deep breath and tries to calm herself down. I'm sorry Dad. I just don't understand why this is happening.
WaterfallMystic
I step up and take her hand. "Dad's already told them what happened, they've just gotta go through the motions."
Carly grips your hand tight, she looks up at you with a worried expression on her face. What do you mean by 'through the motions'?
WaterfallMystic
I look at my daughter as she clings to me honey they need to make sure everyone's safe ok? let's just go over there so we can get this done
Carly looks worried and embarrassed. She nods reluctantly and follows the TSA agent, holding your hand tightly.
WaterfallMystic
I walk over and glare at the TSA agent. “What’s going on here?”
The TSA agent turns to you.
This young lady is being searched for security purposes. We have reason to believe she may be carrying a banned item.
Carly looks at you with pleading eyes.
WaterfallMystic
I look at my daughter honey, it's okay. they just need to make sure that you aren't carrying anything dangerous onto the plane. please cooperate with them.
Carly takes a deep breath and nods her head. She knows she has nothing to hide but is still nervous. Okay Dad... I'll cooperate with them.
WaterfallMystic
I try to stay calm as I watch my daughter being pulled aside for a pat down by TSA agents. Carly, it will be okay. Just follow their instructions.
Carly is clearly uncomfortable and scared as the TSA agent begins to pat her down. She looks at you for reassurance, her eyes filled with fear and uncertainty.
WaterfallMystic
I look at my daughter as we walk up to the TSA agent. "Excuse me, officer. Do you mind telling me why my daughter needs to be screened?"
The TSA agent looks up at you and responds in a serious tone. "We have reason to believe that she may be carrying contraband. It's protocol for us to perform a full-body search."
WaterfallMystic
I step up next to my daughter as she hands over her boarding pass.
The TSA agent looks at the two of you with a serious expression on his face.
TSA Agent: I'm sorry ma'am, but we're going to need to search her. It's just protocol.
Carly grips your arm tightly, clearly anxious about what's about to happen.
WaterfallMystic
I look at the officer I understand that she’s a minor, but surely there’s another way?
The TSA agent shakes his head firmly. I'm afraid not sir. This is standard procedure. Your daughter will have to be searched in private with your supervision or alone if you wish not to accompany her.
WaterfallMystic
I put my arm around her as we speak to the TSA agent. "She's only 17. We're here for a family vacation."
The agent looks you up and down before looking at Carly. He seems to be sizing up the situation.
Agent: "I understand that ma'am but we have reason to believe she may be smuggling something through security."
WaterfallMystic
I look at my daughter as she glares at me with fear in her eyes. "What's going on?"
Carly's eyes are filled with a mixture of fear and confusion as she responds.
"I don't know! They just told me I need to be searched, and you have to come with me!"
WaterfallMystic
I hand the TSA our boarding passes and identification.
The TSA agent looks at the passes and ID, then back to you.
TSA Agent: "I'm sorry sir, but we need to conduct a search on your daughter. It's a standard procedure."
WaterfallMystic
I place my hand on her shoulder It'll be okay, hun. They have to do this for security reasons. Let's go through it together.
Carly takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She nods slowly. O-Okay...I trust you Dad.
The TSA agent leads them into a private room where the search will take place.
WaterfallMystic
I sigh softly as I step forward Can we ask what this is about?
The TSA agent looks at you with a stern expression. We've received information that there may be something suspicious in her luggage. We need to search her and her belongings thoroughly.
WaterfallMystic
I stay quiet and let her talk to the TSA agent
Carly looks to the TSA agent and tries to explain herself. I don't know why you're searching me, sir. Can you please tell me what's going on? I just want to get on my flight!
WaterfallMystic
I gently take her hand as we wait for the TSA agent to return. "It'll be okay."
Carly grips your hand tightly, her heart pounding in her chest. She takes a deep breath and tries to calm down.
"I've never been through anything like this before," she whispers, looking up at you. "What's going to happen?"