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The noise of the zombie army swells. Only shouts can be heard inside the Cathedral. Sunlight creeps across the Cathedral floor.

"A group is coming dangerously close to the front," Mindy shouts. "Get ready everyone!"

To say the survivors in the Sanctuary have worried looks is an understatement. All are caught in a silent anticipation, like the hush before the start of a movie. Heather hides behind an overturned folding table with a rifle in hand.

"They're moving to the doors now," Mindy yells from the upper catwalk.

"Make sure your guns are loaded," you holler to all. "Check your fire!"

Emma runs up beside you, a pistol in her hand, and an odd look of peace on her face. She places her hands in yours and smiles then quickly moves to the side of the room.

A shadow falls across the Sanctuary. In the high rafters, birds flutter under the roof then perch like spectators, glaring down at the struggle of human versus zombie. The ground thunders and dust falls from the walls and swells around the room, kicking into clouds of fine white powder like drifts of snow. Your heart jitters, and you hold your breath anxiously waiting for whatever is about to happen.

The air is still and damp with an earthy smell. Death.