Standing next to Bennie, who watched Scotty while frenetically working his handset, Alex felt what was happening around him as if it had already happened and he were looking back. He wished he could be with Rebecca and Cara-Ann, first dully, then acutely—with pain. His handset had no trouble locating his wife’s handset, but it took many minutes of scanning that section of the crowd with his zoom to actually spot her. What is happening in this excerpt? Alex is suffering from a flashback and needs the support of his wife and child.

Alex recognizes the significance of the moment and wants to share it with his family.

Alex registers the chaotic energy of the crowd and fears for the safety of his family.

Alex is attempting to locate his wife and child, but his handset is malfunctioning.