As the sun set on the western horizon, their Z-bands buzzed aloud to warn them of the approaching darkness. All the women and children shut themselves inside the hut, barring the lone wooden gate with chairs, tables and piles of books.
It was a dark and humid night, with fluffy gray clouds smothering the moon. Only the stars peeped through the airy blanket, like distant lanterns. Aaron looked up at the sky and breathed a heavy sigh. “Not a single night of peace. I really miss sitting on the terrace and looking at the stars without any worries.”
“I do too,” Madeline said, “but I don’t think I’m ready to leave yet. Not before finishing what Gilbert started.”
“Count me in, as well,” Zach added.
The peace and quiet was soon broken by a distant howl, followed by erratic barking noises whic
