The lost connection did not delete my evidence or stop emergency calls where available, but it cut off the ordinary calls and messages I needed.

I went to a nearby shop and asked to use a telephone.

The woman behind the counter listened, then pointed me toward a public-service desk two streets away.

There, I reached Elena.

She checked the housing contact on my list and helped arrange intake.

I used the paper addresses she had told me to keep.

The bus driver confirmed the stop before I paid the fare.

I was frightened and tired.