The morning dragged with agonizing slowness.
Evie tried to distract herself with reading but couldn't focus. Every sentence blurred. Every sound made her jump. The house felt like it was holding its breath, waiting for something terrible.
Around noon, Sophie found her in the library.
"Come with me," she said without preamble. "I need your help with something."
Evie followed her to the medical room. It was chaos. Supplies everywhere. Sophie organizing with frantic efficiency.
"What can I do?"
"Inventory." Sophie shoved a clipboard at her. "Check everything on this list. Make sure we have enough. Bandages, antiseptic, sutures, blood bags, everything."
Evie scanned the list. It was extensive. Prepared for mass casualties.
"You really think they're coming," she said quietly.
"I know t
