My brother flung open the door as I knocked and ushered me inside after giving the night sky a penetrating look.

“Did they bring you here? No matter, no matter.”

Time had not been kind to him. Loose, flabby skin hung off him like a baggy coat. “Jonas,” I said, “you look terrible.”

“That isn’t important. What is important is that I need your help.”

“So you intimated to me via the postcard you sent.”

Jonas shook his head, confused. “I didn’t send you any post card.”

“Nonsense, I have it right here.” I fished around in my pockets but it wasn’t there. “I must have left it in the car.”

As I turned to go and get it, Jonas grabbed me by the wrist. “Do not go outside. After all the trouble they took to bring you here, they won’t be too keen on letting you go.”

“I have no intention of staying with you for the rest of my life.”

“Wait til day then. Please. They are less observant by day, not blind mind you, just less observant.” He shuffled away. “Come with me.”

“Where are we going?”

“Safety- the basement.”