The ballroom had gone dead silent.

A thousand faces had turned to look at the ruin they were meant to see.

I want to be honest that I do not remember the next several seconds cleanly; the mind does something merciful and strange when it is made into a public exhibit.

What I remember is the quiet after, and looking up for my husband, and waiting for him to come.

Chapter 8 — The Verdict

He did not come.