Outside, the temperature had risen several degrees, and visibility had narrowed to a scant few yards ahead. A sulfuric smell like rotting eggs filled the air, choking Eduard with each breath he took. Above them, the sky churned with smoke-colored clouds as hot ash continued to fall in a blizzard of flakes that whirled around Eduard and Reza, singeing their clothing, hair, and skin. Small fires broke out in the dry grass lining the walkway from Eduard’s home, flames like red tongues licking through the gray dust that littered the ground. Pumice crunched underfoot, and before they even reached the end of Eduard’s property, he had taken off his coat to hold it over his head, hoping to keep the small porous stones from striking him. Reza ducked under the impromptu shelter as well, holding one
