The sun must be high now, and natural light pours into the house in spite of the clouds. I used to spend hours on our sunporch, doing homework or texting with Shawntelle. In summer I would take a towel out to the backyard and lie down on the grass, soaking up as much light as possible. Mom always called me a sun worshipper. Paul used to say I was solar powered.

But now all this light makes me feel vulnerable, exposed. It crawls across my skin like a sickness, its spreading warmth a warning instead of a comfort.

“I think it’s gone,” Trey says at last. He crawls along the length of the sofa, which brings him to the edge of the window. He reaches up for the curtain pull and yanks. Miles of velvet curtain come out from the wall like magic, smooth and easy, hanging from some kind of rail system. Trey keeps pulling until they cover the entire wall, leaving us in gloom. Blackout curtains, useful for watching that giant TV.

I stand up from my hiding place. “You think that’ll keep us safe?” I ask.

Trey shrugs. “I don’t have a better idea.”

I don’t either. We’ve only seen those silver flying things outside, so it stands to reason we’re safer under cover.

“I don’t want to drive back to the other house,” Tanq says in a tremulous voice. “Not with that thing flying around.”

I think of all the food we left behind. Trey and I risked our lives to break into that grocery store for nothing.

Well, not nothing. We had the foresight to stash some bottled water and snacks in the car. And the Monstrosity, I remind myself. Along with Hazel Jenkins’s ridiculous purse. We haven’t lost everything. Not yet.

“I agree with Tanq,” I say with obvious regret.

“There are eight bedrooms,” she says. “Plenty of room.”

“Do you know where your dad’s car keys are?” Trey asks her.

“No. Why?”

“We need a radio to listen to that Sandusky stream tonight.”

“Paul’s SUV has a rad—” I begin.

“It’s parked outside,” Trey says. “I’d rather put off going outside as long as possible.”

“What Trey said!” says Tanq.

I take a deep breath, knowing that by tomorrow, they’re probably going to want to drive out of here in a fancy sports car, leaving the SUV behind. Guess I’ll fight that battle when it comes. “Okay, let’s look for those keys.”

March 26