The Coldest Winter Ever

In a state of shock and disbelief, Winter is alone: “I found myself seated in a hotel bar. I didn’t have no thoughts ‘cause my brain was shut down or frozen or something. I didn’t even know what city I was in” (337). With no money to pay for a drink, she goes outside into the cold: “When you have someplace to live you don’t think about the weather too much. Facing the reality that I had nowhere to go I realizes that it was me versus nature tonight” (337). She goes back inside and tries to call Sterling, realizing he’s her only hope, but his phone number has been changed.

She goes into the hotel bathroom to change into something warmer and realizes her box cutter is gone: “I felt naked without a weapon. I was taught that a girl should always have a razor, switchblade, box cutter, needle, mace, or a burner for her defense. Remembering a Brooklyn specialty, I pulled out a pair of socks from my Nike bag and headed out the door” (338). Outside, she fills the sock with rocks, puts it in her purse, and goes back into the hotel bar. While sitting at the bar, she spots an elderly woman wearing expensive clothing and jewelry.