If she ran from the kitchen to call for help he might be gone when she returned, only to come back when she was again alone.
Once more the man executed that gesture, his palms upward.

It was Latin; she was aware of that, for she was always encountering it in the halls.
Another gesture.

She understood this also.

The tips of the fingers bunched and dabbed at the lips.

She had seen Italian children make the gesture and cry: "Ho fame!" Hungry.