When Talia doesn't emerge from the women's lounge at the time we agreed upon, I know something is wrong right away. She's never late. She knows I worry. And there is fire crackling in my bones that I haven't experienced before. It's not just panic, it's the sense that I've missed something important. I've neglected to cover a base.

For one full extra minute, I stare at the door waiting for her to walk through with her bright, optimistic smile and that secret look in her eye. The one she only ...