The First Quiet Morning

March 21st, 6:08 AM — Longwan Mall, Service Wing

John Wang POV

—

It was the sound of quiet movement that woke me.

Soft feet brushing across concrete. A kettle lid clinking open. Someone yawned into their sleeve. Nothing sharp or frantic. 

But somehow, with everyone still alive, the air filtered clean, and a sheep drooling into my chest—

I stared at the ceiling, blinking.

First full night I'd slept in... what? Four? Five days?

I didn't mind.

Just... calm.

I blinked against the dim blue light of the air scrubber still humming in the corner.

It took me a second to notice I wasn't cold.

Or alone.

A comfortable warmth pressed against my right side—something soft and breathing slow. My arm had gone numb. My chest felt sticky.

Then I noticed the weight. The arms looped tightly around my waist. The tickle of hair against my chin.

And the drool.