Sid finally finished cleaning up at the water pump. The cold water had cleared the last of the chemical fog, leaving him feeling surprisingly energized. The shock of the evening had passed, replaced by a keen anticipation for sleep and the promised revelations of Evelise's past.
He stripped off his soiled clothes and put on the surprisingly cozy sleeping wear he had recently crafted—soft, breathable fabric salvaged from old curtains. He padded back into the quiet living room and lay down on his makeshift mattress, feeling less like a desperate survivor and more like a boy settling down for an exciting night of gaming.
