After finishing their rounds and checking the turbines, Andrei finally confirmed everything was working fine. They cleaned the frozen gears, now lines were steady and the readings were good. For the first time in days, they could rest a little easier.
They went back deeper into the forest trying to create distance from the frozen horde of zombies.
Hector and Malcolm took the first watch while the others stayed inside the tent, trying to warm themselves. The snow outside had thickened, swallowing most sounds except the soft creak of ice against metal.
Near midnight, Hector nudged Malcolm.
"Go wake Andrei," he said quietly. "We will switch guards so the others can sleep."
Malcolm nodded and stepped inside the tent. He crouched near Andrei, shaking his shoulder gently. "Andrei," he whispered. "Your turn."
Andrei groaned and pulled his blanket tighter.
"Already?" he mumbled, his voice rough from sleep.
"Yeah," Malcolm said. "Come on. Hector's waiting."
