Chapter One: Free Water

Lin Xi ran for a service passage. Her card failed against the fire door: EVENT LOCKDOWN. At Exit Thirteen, the glass should have revealed the plaza. Instead, something black and reflectionless hung outside. Security guard Liu stood there drinking. “Why is it dark out there?” she asked. “Night is dark.” Blood shone on his gums. “Go watch the game. It's nearly over.” “There's still another half.” “Exactly. Nearly over.” He grabbed her shoulder. When she tore free, the cap in her pocket cut her palm. Pain brought the number back: 031742. East Three, Row Seventeen, Seat Forty-Two? She ran there. The boy from the gate occupied that seat. His father stood atop a chair, screaming, while the child sat white-faced.