After I move all the chairs and tables to the perimeter, the third floor meeting room is prepped for class activity. I make a quick trip to the ladies' room before it begins, and as I wash my hands, I peer into the mirror. My eyes are tired, but hopeful. Elise may be gone, but I'm dedicating the first event I've ever planned to her memory.
When I get back to the room, guest have started trickling in. Some I recognize from the library, others are new faces. Cara arrives, and we chat a little before I introduce her.
"Hello, everyone. Why don't we begin by forming a circle. Then we each can introduce ourselves and share why we're here," Cara says.
"I'll start," I say, once we're in formation. "I grew up in San Francisco, and have always fel...

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