'My sister was up on the tables, dancing, when I arrived on New Year's Eve. Hours later, when I was ready to dance on the tables, she was off in a corner, weeping.
'This was the pattern.
''I've so many young friends now,' she had insisted on the phone the week before. 'So many . . . caring friends. They've given me so much support. Please come. You must meet them.'
''Well . . .'
''Please.'' (Introduction)