Edward nodded. “I understand the consequences. But if there’s any chance this kid is telling the truth, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

The terminal buzzed with whispers, the crowd torn between skepticism and intrigue. Some people, initially annoyed by the disturbance, began to shift their perspective, sensing a story unfolding that was bigger than their individual travel plans.

The female officer, seemingly moved by Edward’s conviction, spoke into her radio. “We need to inspect the aircraft. Potential security threat reported by a passenger.”

The boy watched with wide eyes, a mixture of relief and fear. He had been heard, but now the weight of his words bore down on him. What if he was wrong? What if his instincts, honed by survival on the streets, had misled him this time?

Minutes stretched into eternity as the security team and airport staff coordinated the inspection. The crowd, once dispersed across the terminal, now congregated, all eyes on Edward and the boy. Edward felt an unexpected solidarity with the child, as if their fates were inexplicably intertwined.