Several minutes later, Ursula spoke again. “So many people disappear these days. Without a trace. I worry about them. Mother says it’s the pregnancy making me overly emotional, but…I can’t help but wonder what happens to those people who can’t get to a shelter on nights like these.”
Sabine gave Ursula a quizzical look and asked, “Do you know people who are stuck outside and can’t get to a shelter?”
Ursula looked at her steadily for a moment and then nodded slowly. “Yes.”
“Who are they? People who live in your apartment building?” A wave of horror washed over Sabine as she imagined an elderly lady unable to hurry down the stairs.
“Just people.” Ursula said nothing for a long time, and then another impact came, and the two women huddled together as dirt trickled down. When the dust settl
