16Chione had showered, as she always did before evening meditation. She looked forward to receiving more information or images. However, her heightened sense of apprehension unnerved her. Inside the Pillared Hall, she approached Aaron as he removed his boots. The only lighting came from their flashlights. “I'm feeling sort of unsettled this evening,” she said. “Can we sit together?”
He looked surprised that she had asked. “What's put you on edge?”
“The furniture, the ancient wood,” she said, glancing at a few remaining pieces. “Can you hear their noises?”
“They're breathing again.”
“Just like in Tut's tomb.”
“Or any tomb,” he said. “After all the years being in dead space, then to be surrounded with fresh air, the wood makes those sighing noises.”
“As it begins to deteriorate.”
“All
