"I suppose that it is. It isn't like I ever offered to eschew my old life, even if I did take up work." Then, only when war prompted her. "Perhaps we do take it all for granted, but I'd rather not believe that."

Sybil won't believe that at any rate. There's too much hope in her to allow herself to think that people can't all strive to be better, or that some few could make a difference. "I remember how exciting it was to see the votes read after an election. Even if I did end up with a rather large bump on my head."