Caren [writes and repeats]. Thirteen....

Voices [are heard, rough and harsh, from in back of the curtains]. Shove that stiff up! He's got more room than what's coming to him.

Caren [calling, without rising]. Who is it you're moving?

Voice. Thirteen. Any reason why he should sprawl?

Caren. Not a bit. Shove him along.

[The curtains part. There is a swift vision of brilliant light within, and bodies laid out upon tables of ice.]

Kraig [a man, scarcely more than a boy, over-wrought and hysterical, with his hands pressed close to his throbbing temples, bursts out]. Oh.... Oh! Let me stay here just a moment away from that horror.

Caren [glancing up from his writing and smiles]. You're all the same the first day.

Kraig. Oh.... Oh!

Caren. That last one got you ... eh?