As the candlelight snapped off, the light from the lamps around the room and in the hallway returned, as did the gentle hum of the air conditioner.<br/><br/><em>OK then, that about maxed the weirdness quotient for one night.</em><br/><br/>Without comment, the cousins simultaneously agreed to ignore what their senses were telling them and go with Raine's suggestion.  They left the detritus of their meal and adult beverages and headed to their respective rooms.<br/><br/>Ember stayed in the same bedroom she had as a kid.  The bed was covered with a quilt grandma had sewn from old clothes worn by her mom and the aunts when they were little.  It was soft and familiar.  It smelled like Grandma's.  The bedside table had a touch lamp that looked like an old lantern and a dish etched in gold to hold her jewelry after she got ready for bed.  She thought about using it for an ashtray, but practically felt the house's disapproval.<br/><br/>Instead, she crawled under the covers.  It felt wrong, but also right.  She had had enough grief, family, fiery neon and loneliness.  She fell into a deep dreamless sleep.<br/><br/><div align="center">****************************************************************************************************</div><br/>The next morning Ember woke feeling more rested than she had felt in months, maybe years.  After a quick shower, she changed into lake clothes and headed downstairs.  In the kitchen she found the cousins already busy making breakfast.  Someone had already cleaned up last nights' dishes.  She grabbed a mug of coffee and went out to the back patio.  She took a gulp of hot coffee and lit a cigarette.  She pulled the smoke into her lungs and stared at the calm water of the lake.<br/><br/>Raine sat down at the table and chided Ember for her habit.  "You know those things will kill you someday."  Ember blew smoke in her direction and smiled when Raine coughed dramatically.  "Not before I take out the next person who suggests that smoking might be bad for<em>my</em>health."  Ember took another drag and took in her surroundings.<br/><br/>Gale had grabbed food and joined them.  "So how'd everyone sleep last night?"<br/><br/>They all agreed that despite last night's weirdness, everyone had slept really well.  It was time to make plans for the day.  Ember put out her cigarette and turned to her cousins.  "So, who's up for some exploring?"<br/>