Usually, Flint's evenings post-Exploration are spent relaxing on a couch with Scout, not fighting through the Shadow World; but he's not about to give up a tradition even if it's past curfew. He doubts anyone will hold it against him—there are others on the Coins floor, some sneaking out not-so-quietly at all. But this area of the common room is empty except for him and Scout, and the late hour takes on a quality of unrealness, like a dream.

At some point, in between soft silences and listening to Scout explain the complexities of knitting, Flint's head lands on Scout's shoulder, and he drifts off to sleep.