The doorknob lock needed a tiny wiggle to be unlocked, but she was able to do so noiselessly. Carefully, she turned the knob. After opening the door an inch, she peeked. There was no sign of him.

Chloé stepped out as quietly as she could, then tiptoed into the bathroom. She was silent as she used the toilet and then once finished, she drank from the faucet with only a trickle of water coming out. She was suddenly aware of how noisy simple activities were.

Washing her hands ...