Neo-Nazis had stormed the church, armed with iron bars and bicycle chains. Jews out. Sieg Heil. Katharina’s friend Sibylle hid under the altar, Katharina herself slipped out through a vestry door. The punks were illegal, the Neo-Nazis were illegal, pale youths on both sides, Ludwig could have been among their number. Each lot looking for a different world where they counted for something. For good or ill. Iron bars. Bicycle chains. The police stood around outside but didn’t get involved, Katharina said. Let them smash each other’s heads in. Continuity leads to destruction.
