The shout echoed through the cavern, shattering the moment. Anya and Mika turned to see the adults glaring at them from across the cave.
The older nurse who had taken Anya's mattress was on her feet, her face twisted with irritation.
"How can you be so noisy?!" She demanded. "We're trapped underground, possibly going to die, and you're over there laughing and playing like it's a festival!"
"Some of us are trying to rest." Another nurse added. "Not that you care."
"This is why children shouldn't be allowed in situations like this."
Muttered the attendant who had destroyed Mika's transmitter.
"No sense of decorum. No understanding of the gravity of our situation."
Anya felt a flash of anger, but Mika put his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't." He said quietly. "They're not worth it."
"But they—"
"I know. But arguing with them won't help. Let's just...do our own thing."
So they did.
They continued their plays.
