The following days became a blur of dull pain, fogged up emotions, and the piercing sound of the phone constantly ringing.

I called my family and spoke briefly with my father. I told him I had just gotten home from a long flight and would call back later on when I felt better. I hung up thinking that I had no intention of ever calling home again. I had no intention of ever speaking again. I felt so depressed and tired I didn't even return Gabe's phone call. I barely ate or fed ...