The Emperian
Sydney Sawyer got out of the car at the entrance to the community. Several homeowners were asking the security guards when property management would restore the power. It was after work, and with the sweltering dog days of summer in full swing, life at home without electricity was simply unbearable.
The property management staff did their best to placate the homeowners but couldn't provide a definite time, breaking out in an anxious sweat.
Sydney Sawyer had timed her return, thinking the power would be back on by now, but she was surprised to find it still out.
After waiting by the elevator for several minutes, she found the hallway stuffy and hot. Timmy Lockwood was meowing restlessly. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to take the stairs.
The stairwell was even more humid and stifling.
The sky outside was growing dim, and visibility inside the stairwell was extremely low.
