The chairperson announces the final vote and proceeds to wrap up the debates for the day. People get up, speaking quietly about what just happened on their way out. I am still sitting, in shock. I look around and find that everyone in my committee is doing the same. We slowly get up and the tears we were fighting back are now coming. We sob like children all the way to the next venue. Although we are inconsolable we wipe our tears away to keep up appearances during dinner.