The temperature continued to rise, accelerating the decomposition of the bodies in the water. The pungent stench of decay was noticeable even from the balconies. Fewer people ventured outside, not just because supplies were impossible to find, but also out of fear of the robbers lurking about.
Evelyn Ford hadn't left her apartment in two weeks. She placed her solar panels on the balcony to charge her batteries. In her spare time, she took out the toad venom she had previously collected and mixed it into a solution she had prepared, to be used in an emergency.
The temperature climbed to fifteen degrees, and the air began to feel muggy.
Early the next morning, there was a knock on Evelyn's door. Lauren Keller stood outside, holding an oval-shaped egg, which she presented to Evelyn as if it were a priceless treasure.
