Downstairs, he was using that ability on people who had never needed convincing that they belonged in our house.

I buttoned the shirt beneath my uniform jacket.

I had the uniform ready for my return to duty that evening.

Wearing it now would attract attention, and I knew that.

I stood in front of the mirror long enough to be honest with myself about it.

Part of me wanted them to stop treating my work as something minor.

Part of me wanted to be left alone to sing to my son.

Both feelings could exist.