A Burning in the Darkness

From her body, tightened into a quiet ball, a trembling hand began to venture.

Meanwhile the languid voice practically sang, "_Frauenzimmer, frauenzimmer..._"

Her breath slowed, a deliberate in and out of musty air. Battered fingers made tentative sweeps across the dusty floor. Her heart slowed from a pitter patter of panic to a deliberate thudding cadence, a wild animal seeking escape from her small chest.

"_Mein frauenzimmer,_" wafted through the darkness, "_kein feuer, keine kohle..._"

Teeth ceased chattering as her jaw set firm. Fingers continued their blind search of the corner sanctuary.

Still the priest spilled verse, "_...kann brennen so heiss als wie heimliche Liebe..._"

Cold hands met an anomaly along the bare floor, a rod of iron, or perhaps brass. It felt solid. It felt reassuring. It felt like strength.

"..._von der niemand nichts weiss._"

In a moment she broke and was made whole. Her hand tightened around her newfound friend.

Muscles tensed as she hissed, "I know."