Monday, October 9, 1871
Katya woke up first as the sun peaked out above Lake Michigan. If it weren't for the thick smell of smoke and charred wood, it would almost seem like a normal morning from her vantage point in the tower. But once she looked out the window, the reality of the situation had become quite clear. The city was in ruins southward as far as the eye could see. The north division was still aflame. The cloudless sky was blackened with ash and smoke. To the east, Katya could see hordes of confused people and animals gathered along the beachfront. What had mocked beauty the night before was ugly now, and Katya detested the fire and its destruction.
She dug in her purse as Cyrus started to stir and pulled out her last protein bar. "Good morning, sir," she said, feigning cheerfu
