*Daphne*

I squeezed my mother’s hand as we prepared to walk out onto the balcony overlooking the crowd of our people.

Father was already beyond the glass doors, standing in the cool morning air, giving a lengthy introduction and filling the people in on the fact that I was now home safe. He thanked everyone for their continued support.

My siblings and I glanced at one another nervously, sensing that it was just about time for the rest of us to make our ...