They used wooden slats from a chair, wire from a whisk that Marin found in the kitchen, and padding from several of the mayor’s pillows. But once completed, the project appeared well worth it. Line was much more comfortable now. While he was looking for materials, Kana ransacked the mayor’s house but was unable to find a single additional morsel of food. “We should go,” said Line. “There’s no point in sticking around here. And I’m sick of waiting.” Marin looked at the clock on the wall, which she had wound several hours ago. It was a few minutes past eight—nearly dinnertime. More important, it was a reminder that they’d been awake for ages. She looked at Line. “How much have you slept here?” He thought about this for a moment. “I don’t know—a few hours.” “And before that?” “Before that . . . I don’t know . . .”
