It's a relief to be on a cot in the schoolhouse, piled under blankets. He knows the cold is from blood loss, not weather, but at least he can pretend he's warm this way.

He can't sleep, though. He's terrified to close his eyes. It's been that way for several days, yes, but in the wake of the fire it's so much worse. What if he dreams some other disaster? His people got out okay this time, but what if next time they don't?

He works one hand free from the blankets and pinches the bridge of his nose, blinking several times to fend off the nigh-unbearable need to close his eyes.