[Johnny navigates after him carefully, eyes scanning every inch of the hallway for possible...well, for possible what, he's not sure. He hates intruding like this--it feels socially wrong, even when he's been invited in, and just plain uncomfortable even when the more general anxiety has ebbed. He has no reason not to trust his neighbor, and that only frustrates him more.

He wheels himself into the living room, allowing himself a moment to relax in the warmth, having barely registered how cold he really was until he understood how warm he was supposed to be. Thank God and Jesus and the Holy Ghost for thermostats, he thinks, only somewhat understanding what a thermostat is.]

Damn thing's been broken all week. Guess this is what happens when you put too much faith in electricity, huh? Fireplaces are warmer, anyways--I've got a shit-ton of firewood out back, but no matches, which is still stupid.