Felix sat cross-legged on his bed, scribbling in his notebook, when a sharp knock broke his focus. Rising to answer the door, he saw Pat's urgency etched on his face. Kip stood beside him, hands buried in the front pouch of his red sweater.
"You need to come with us," Pat insisted.
"Okay, just give me a second," Felix replied, slipping into his sneakers that were on the mat.
They exited the building and entered the van.
Kip asked, "Where are you taking us?"
"It's a surprise," Pat answered as he held the steering wheel.
It made Felix wonder. He stared outside the window, looking at the starry sky and the trees.
They arrived at a dome-shaped metal building. Pat parked the van in the empty parking lot, and they left the van.
Felix's eyes widened as he asked, "Why are the guards here?" Two guards standing against the wall had stern expressions.
"To prevent break-ins," Pat answered.
They approached the guards; they had guns attached to their belts.
The guard said, "Are these Intermariams?"
Why is he asking this? Why does he care if we're from Intermarium?
Pat nodded. "Yes, and they're with me."
The guard replied. "Well, you're very lucky to be here."
Felix couldn't decide if the guard's smile was sinister or heartwarming.
They entered the building. Pat grabbed two white towels from the shelf. Handed them to Kip and Felix.
Pat said, "Get unchanged and enter the room."
"Why're we undressing?" Kip asked.
"My treat to you—sauna night," Pat said, grinning. "I wanted to surprise you."
Felix smiled, caught off guard. He'd never been to a sauna, only heard it was relaxing. His nerves settled slightly. Felix was shaking like a dancer with maceras.
They exited the changing room, white towels wrapped around their waists. Pat led them down a sterile hallway and into a room.
The door clicked shut behind them. Felix estimated fifty people were in the room. He scratched his head; the floor was cold. No benches. No heat.
Felix shivered. "Why is it cold in here? Where's the steam?"
Kip replied, "I don't know. I've got a bad feeling about this place." Goosebumps prickled across his pale arms.
A faint hiss.
Gas seeped from the ceiling vents, thick and sour, like rotting cabbage.
Felix's breath caught.
Shredder gas.
His blood iced. Panic erupted in his chest.
Sweat ran down Felix's face as he ran to the door. He pounded his fists against it.
He spun to the door and pounded it with his fists. "Let us out! LET US OUT!"
Thud.
He spun around, and his jaw dropped. Kip was lying across the grey metal tile floor. Foam—white, then red—spilled from his mouth. His eyes rolled back. His limbs spasmed.
"STOP SCREAMING! I'M TRYING TO SLEEP!"
Felix jolted upright in bed, soaked in sweat. His sheets tangled around him like ropes.
His heart thundered.
It was a nightmare.
He turned his head toward the door—someone was pounding on it.
Still breathless, he stumbled over and opened it.
Jared stood outside, arms crossed over his blue long-sleeved shirt. His jaw was tight.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" he snapped. "It's two in the goddamn morning."
Felix rubbed the back of his neck, still dazed. "I'm sorry. I was having a nightmare."
Jared scowled. "Why do you talk like you've got food stuffed in your mouth?"
Felix narrowed his eyes. "I'm from Intermarium. Your accent sounds like you're talking through your nose."
Jared stepped forward, grabbed Felix by the collar of his white Technate shirt, and slammed him against the wall.
"Don't insult me," Jared growled. "I'm from Cascadia—one of the most dangerous places in the world. You don't know what I'm capable of."
Felix stared back, jaw clenched, but said nothing.
Jared finally let go and stormed off down the hall.
Felix stood there, chest heaving.
He's dangerous, Felix thought. He's got serious anger issues.
And for the first time since arriving at the shelter, Felix realized something: he might not be safe here after all.