SeinThe wall slowly swells and sinks as if breathing. Faint sounds of stairs growing come from far away.
Sein looks over a shoulder and puts one finger to the lips.
Shh. The city is sleeping now. Just lower your voice a little, please.
Sein pours cooled barley tea into a cup, places it on the windowsill, and covers the listening panel with a palm.
Did the house wake you today, or were you awake worrying about it? If neither, just sit here. I’m not sleeping until two either.