The silence did not last. It shattered under the weight of the Chairman's gavel. The sound was sharp, a crack of wood against wood that signaled the end of the opening statement and the beginning of the interrogation. The sound echoed in the high ceiling of the hearing room, bouncing off the painted dome and returning to the floor as a dull thud. It was a signal. The performance was over. The examination had begun.
"Thank you, Ms. Chen-Valerio," the Chairman said. His voice was amplified by the speakers, booming through the room. It was a practiced voice, smooth and authoritative. It filled the space where my voice had just been. "Your testimony is noted. We appreciate your courage in appearing before this committee."
I nodded. The movement was stiff. My neck felt rigid, the muscles lock
