Clare stopped at the bottom of Marcus' steps. Is Sophie all right? Marcus turned back toward the house before she finished asking. She will wake up when the fan stops. He moved quickly, not with panic, but with purpose.
Clare followed him inside. The living room already felt warmer. Marcus crossed the dark space by memory, opened a kitchen drawer, and found a flashlight. Its beams swept over the couch, the abandoned glass, and Sophie's drawing trembling beneath the last movement of still air. From the hallway came a small voice.
"Dad, Marcus was beside her door in seconds. I am here, sweetheart. " Sophie appeared wearing blue pajamas, her hair flattened on one side from sleep. She noticed Clare behind him and blinked. Why is the house dark? The power went out, Marcus said.
We are going to make the downstairs cooler. Sophie nodded as though blackouts were simply another problem her father knew how to arrange into smaller pieces. Marcus carried her pillow and blanket into the living room. He opened windows on opposite sides of the house, pulled the shades down where street heat still pressed against the glass, and hung damp towels near the openings. from a closet. He brought out a portable battery pack and connected it to a small fan.
The blades began turning slowly. Sophie sat on the floor in front of it, hugging her pillow. Clare watched Marcus work. No wasted movement. No raised voice.
No complaint. How long will that battery last? She asked. A few hours on low. Then we should leave.
I can drive us to a hotel outside the city. Marcus glanced through the window toward the dark house across the street. Not yet. Marcus, it is over 100° outside. Mrs. Alvarez is alone.
Clare looked toward the narrow brick home. No flashlight moved behind its curtains. No door opened. We can call someone. Her son is three states away.
The utility crews are busy. We are already here. He crouched in front of Sophie. I need to check on Mrs. Alvarez. You stay inside with Miss Clare.
Sophie's eyes moved to Clare. Trust was not immediate, but it was considered. Okay, she said. Clare stepped forward. I am coming with you.
Sophie needs someone here. Then bring her with us. Your house will keep getting hotter and Mrs. Alvarez may need to leave anyway. Marcus studied Clare for a moment. The woman who had arrived unable to ask for a couch was now thinking beyond her own discomfort.
He gave a single nod. Sophie slipped her feet into sandals while Marcus packed water bottles, cooling towels, and a digital thermometer into his tool bag. Clare took two bottles without being asked. Outside, the pavement still released waves of heat through the soles of their shoes. Marcus carried Sophie on one hip and held the flashlight low, guiding their path.