CHARLOTTE

When I opened my eyes, the car had slowed to a halt in front of a black gate, and the driver was speaking to a guard who held a large notepad. I sat up and watched as the guard shook his head and peered into the vehicle. I blinked in confusion and caught a flash of recognition in his eyes when he looked at me. He stepped back and sighed, returning to the security post to speak with his companion, who pressed a button, opening the gates.

I tried to see his face as we drove past the post, but he had already moved inside, making it impossible to...