He still doesn't understand, Melanie thinks, because no sane, decent person could honestly conclude that occasional bouts of fresh air are worth the risk of this dream - this nightmare - becoming a reality. But she doesn't want to argue with him, doesn't want to explain in painful detail how dangerous she can be to good people like him.

She saved his life this time. If the hunger got out of its box, it'd be a different story.

Melanie lifts her shoulders in a little shrug, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to talk about it anymore. They aren't even safe, yet. "We should try to get to my room," she says instead. "If anyplace in here is safe, it'll be there."