Igor jerked as if from a blow, but not physical.

Now everything has become clearer. Not easier, but clearer.

She turned off the screen, holding the phone in her palm for a second, as if it might offer more information if she waited.

Then she put it in her pocket.

The door opened with a quiet creak.

The stairs smelled of dampness and the distant sounds of other people’s conversations, long since over but still lingering within the walls. Vera descended, barely touching the railing.

The air outside was cold but alive. It hit her face, and for the first time that evening, she took a deep breath.

She didn’t know where exactly to go.

But she knew why.

And this was enough to take the first step.