With that question, her eyes shadow, her hands creeping back to an old position -- braced above either elbow, arms in a cross.

"No." For a moment, it's just that word, simple and stark. There's an enormity here too large to explain, even if she wanted to.

"My home is . . . gone."

She knows that in her heart . . . but saying it aloud is another matter. It makes it real -- too real. Her hands tighten.

"A long time ago."