That small, ridiculous fact stayed with me.

A choir sang about peace while the people in the sitting room avoided one another’s eyes.

I had planned our visit with more care than Daniel would ever understand.

The flight had been approved as part of an official departmental movement, with the children’s travel separately cleared through the appropriate channels.

I had arranged lodging and a ground-transportation backup.

My children were not props for a dramatic entrance, no matter what Daniel and his guests believed when they saw the helicopter settle onto the snowy landing area.

The aircraft had attracted everyone’s attention.