“I don’t know why I’m going on about my love life when, clearly, it’s not the world’s biggest problem,” Reesa said as she looked around the room. While some people seemed to be animated, chatting with companions and personnel, or relaxed, occupying themselves quietly or napping, others showed signs of struggling. “I shouldn’t be saddling you with this.”

“Hey, don’t think it’s selfish for you to have feelings,” Hazel said. “My going through something ...