“No downstairs.”

“No downstairs,” Hannah answered.

The medical staff moved at a pace that let them do their work without turning the reunion into another frightening struggle over where the girls had to go.

I fetched a light blanket from my house when someone asked.

I brought the cups of water.

I stood wherever I was told to stand.

For once, being useful did not mean understanding everything.

A detective asked me to remain available for a statement.