Everyone gathered in coats while Nadine called the repair company.

For a brief moment I was back in that apartment in 1999, counting blankets and wondering how much heat we could afford.

Then I looked at the staff around me.

We had an emergency maintenance fund.

The repair company could come that afternoon.

Nobody had to choose between medicine and warmth to solve the problem.

I almost laughed at the difference between remembering a crisis and living through one.

Nadine caught my expression.