A sneak attack, that’s what it had felt like. Within minutes, she had closed the gate and pulled up the drawbridge. Just minutes, but it had been enough time for a swarm of arrows to find their way in: questions that needed answers, choices and decision that had to be made, conversations that had to be had.

Not now.

*

Now, she’s walking through the revolving doors of Thysted Hospital with short, cautious steps and her eyes fixed in front of her. Like a drunk person trying to act sober. As though the slightest distraction could knock her down.

She has done this before; kept moving forward even though it’s impossible.

And so, Karen Eiken Hornby walks through the lobby with steps that are, to all appearances, resolute, pushes the button to call the lift, and waits. And so, she takes the lift up to the fourth floor, to which Anita Kollbar has been moved. And the moment she pushes open the door, she’s someone else.

The person she was before Ursula Lek stopped time.

*

Anita is sitting in a chair by the window, eating from a tray on a small rolling table. Karen takes in the bowl of rye porridge with lingonberries, the coffee cup, and the apple. And the thick foam pressure-relief cushion between the seat and the woman she’s here to see.

They say hello and Karen takes a seat across the table. Anita Kollbar gestures towards her cup.

‘Would you like some coffee?’ she asks. ‘I can call the nurse.’

Karen swallows hard and forces her lips into a smile.

‘No, thank you. I’m not staying long.’

‘Are you sure? You look like you need some. Has something happened?’

As she speaks the words, Anita Kollbar’s face stiffens.

‘Did he do it again?’ she says.

‘No, no, absolutely not,’ Karen assures her quickly. ‘That’s not why I’m here. I actually wanted to ask you some questions about your job.’

Anita Kollbar looks nonplussed.

‘My job? Why?’

‘We didn’t discuss it the last time I was here, but according to the Tax Authority you’re employed by the Reinholtz Group.’

‘Yes. So?’

‘But, in reality, you work for New Builds, don’t you?’

‘Sure, yes, that’s true. I was reassigned just over a year ago as part of a restructure. Not a step up exactly, as I’m sure you’ve figured out, but a woman my age can’t count on advancement.’

‘No, I suppose that’s usually the way of it,’ Karen agrees wryly. ‘According to the New Builds’ website, you’re the Head of Customer Service, but what does that mean in practice?’

Anita Kollbar makes a sound that’s halfway between a snort of derision and a mirthless chuckle.