I excused myself to go to the restroom before they could see me crying. I found it quickly and rushed to the first sink.

As I splashed refreshing, cold water on my face and dabbed myself dry with the paper towels, I marveled again at how strange it felt to be in a public space that was so quiet and motionless. Well, that was only until I saw movement in the corner of my eye.

I almost jumped out of my skin. “This is the ladies’ restroom, you know?” I said, forcing my ...