Her fingers were dry and bony, yet surprisingly strong. Susanna looked up — the woman’s expression was completely different, no longer quiet and humble, but filled with worry and almost panicked fear.

“Dear child… listen carefully,” she whispered, still holding her hand. “You’ve helped me so many times… let me do something for you now. Don’t go home today. For any reason. Sleep anywhere — at a friend’s place, in a hotel, even in the subway all night… just don’t return to your apartment. Promise me.”