The risks of the conflict never overwhelmed me, only the fear of marginalization.

Political wives are seldom seen and rarely heard.

Over the years, my memories of that trip - our hikes along paths lined with pine trees and vivid sprigs of wildflowers and the sound of my parents' laughter echoing through the forest as they strolled hand in hand - had not faded.

I simply recall a dark hollow within me into which I crawled when the anxiety overwhelmed.

In comparison to them and countless others, I had no right to suffer. But suffering came whether or not I was worthy.