Amaris had a lot of time to think about the events of the last two days as they walked through the parking garage in silence. Lyle was walking just a few steps ahead and alert. When they reached the top level of the parking garage, which was the only above ground level, Amaris thought that she could smell smoke. Lyle’s pace suddenly increased and Amaris had to jog to keep up with him.
When they exited it was still early morning, but the black smoke that was everywhere, made it look like it was not yet dawn. The beautiful little village was no more. Most of the homes and buildings were burned to the ground or still on fire. The pall of the smoke was like walking into a wall. Amaris covered her mouth with the sleeve of Lyles sweatshirt that she had put back on over her clothes. She also pul
