As the gales intensified, going outside became next to impossible, forcing everyone to hide in their homes. The wind whipped sand against the windows, which were now coated in such a thick layer of dust that it was impossible to see outside. Officer Graham led everyone to reinforce the security door downstairs one more time, and they boarded up the windows in the hallways and in their homes.
They fashioned the gauze they had scavenged into masks to wear over their heads, as it was otherwise impossible to go out. The air was muggy and hot. Blowing sand found its way inside their collars, mixing with their sweat until it felt like saltwater pickling every inch of their skin.
Evelyn Ford checked the air quality index; the API value had already reached 200. She had no choice but to consider leaving.
