Chapter Two
When Helle arrived at the apartment she now called home, she checked the answer-phone first. The only message waiting for her came from the bank.
They were not cruel, those who called.
They were not cruel, but they were persistent.
Next, she checked her email account, which she was not permitted to do at work. She was not even certain whether her computer terminal at the call centre was properly connected to the internet, or if it was connected only to “the system,” whatever that signified.
Of course, there were no messages from the people she wished to hear from. Only from shops and services, from those wishing her to spend money she no longer had.
Would no one show her mercy? Even at this time of year when the nights are dark? When we are meant to display our grati
