Day fifteen of the heatwave.
There hadn't been a single sound from the other side of the door for a while now.
A thick stench of decay hung in the air, seeping through the soundproofing and seals despite everything.
I checked my phone—the signal had flickered back to life for just a moment.
National Guard helicopter rescue teams were already patrolling the city, searching for survivors.
I put on my heavy protective suit, strapped on my gas mask, and unbolted the vault-style steel door.
The living room was still pushing 125 degrees.
What greeted me was a scene straight out of hell.
Chloe's body lay crumpled in the corner, badly decomposed.
Ethan was slumped by the balcony door, his eyes bulging, his lips completely cracked and peeled away. A deep gash ran across his wrist. In his f
