22nd March 1965

"Constanta!"

The wind tore the cry from her lips, hurling it over the heads of the tulip trees that fronted the building. They gave it a somewhat stately appearance. Only somewhat because vanity and splendour had died with the appointment of Groza. The days when carriages had swept into the driveway were long gone.

Picking up the pile of rags, she struggled back through the door, which slammed behind her, waking up the bundle just in time for Constanta to announce, "They have elected Ceausescu!"

What more needed to be said?

"... Another one, Alina?"

"Help me, Constanta."

"Let it die."

"No!"

"You feed it then ..."