I lost count of the hours we spent on air before we arrived in New York. By the time we arrived, I was numb all over, I didn’t fight anymore, and I helped my children who were bundled to prevent the cold from getting to them.

I held them close to my cheats as we entered the car, the nurse beside me. The woman seemed panicked but had kept her cool for hours. I felt so much pity for her, imagining being kidnapped and forced to look after the children of a stranger.

“Hey,” I whispered ...