Jim and Diana stayed in bed late the morning of her departure. After a leisurely breakfast with the children, the whole family took her to the airport. She hugged each of them, then shared a long kiss with Jim. He stroked her hair.
"You know how much I'll miss you."
"I shall miss you as well. But at least I am able to sleep alone."
"M-m. When you come home tomorrow, we'll have to take time for a nap."
"That sounds lovely. I love you."
"I love you."
"I must go now."
"It's not like the plane will leave without you."
Another long kiss followed.
"Jim, everyone is waiting for me."
"It's their job to wait for you." One more kiss, then he released her. "I'll see you soon."
She waved as she boarded the small jet. Jim and the children watched from the royal terminal until they could no longer see the plane.
He left the kids at home, then walked to the palace. With no cabinet meeting scheduled, he worked in his office. But he found his mind wandering often to Diana. He hated these separations, no matter how brief. Though he usually did not become distracted until the third day.
Surrendering to the distraction, he stood and stretched. Perhaps he could concentrate after lunch.
The door opened, framing a very distraught King Esteban. Jim's chest tightened.
"What happened?"
"Diana's plane has gone down."
Jim's knees threatened to give way. He braced himself stiff-armed on the desk. Blackness crept into his field of vision and he clenched his eyes to fight it off. He forced himself to focus on one thought. I can't help anyone if I fall apart. He took deep breaths. Control returned.
He looked up at his father-in-law.
"What do you know?"
"The pilot reported engine trouble. He was looking for a spot for an emergency landing. But they were over Tierras Altas ..."
Jim's jaw worked. The most unspoiled country in South America. Mile after mile of high altitude forest.
"He didn't find anything."
"Trees. He chose a stand of young trees. Air Force jets are en route to the site."
Jim dropped his head.
"Lord, give me strength for what I have to do."
He straightened, swayed slightly, but steadied himself without touching the desk.
"I have to tell the kids."
The king's eyes glistened.
"I have yet to tell Sofia. Bring them here. We will wait together for news."
Jim nodded and they left his office. He said nothing to either Gary, or his secretary, Mrs. Pena, both in tears. Jim saw nothing, heard nothing, felt nothing as he walked home. Life without Diana. He shook his head. No! I can't think about that. I have to believe that she survived. I have to.
When he entered the kitchen, Maggie had already served lunch. The children greeted him, but she saw the strain on his face. She placed her fingers over her mouth. In only a few seconds, the kids fell silent. De Ann spoke.
"Daddy?"
Jim pulled a chair out and sank into it.
"There's ... there's been an accident. Mommy's plane had an accident."
"Is Mommy okay?" David asked.
"I don't know ... She could be okay. But we need to prepare ourselves. Mommy may have gone to live with Jesus. We may not see her again until we go there too."
Tears came to five little pairs of eyes. Jim's jaw worked. I can't help anyone if I fall apart.
"Will we be able to say goodbye to her?" Rick asked.
Jim's eyes glistened and he continued to work his jaw.
"I promise you." He gritted his teeth. "I will bring her home." Tears streamed down his cheeks. "Even if that means just so we can say goodbye."
His control failed. He buried his face in his hands, sobbing. His children gathered round him, comforting him and each other. | 
