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Parker stammers as he speaks. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say, except I'm here for you if you need anything. If you want me to come over or want to talk, just ask. Please, don't go through this alone."

"Thanks, Parker."

Gunshots erupt outside, and you simultaneously hear it through the walls of your home and through the phone line.

"Wow, that's close," Parker says. "Too close."

You hear movement on his end—the sounds of window blinds flicking open and a clicking noise, like a cigarette lighter. "I can't see anyone now, but a military vehicle just rode by. I can't get used to the gunfire. This is all just unbelievable. One day, I'm working on a new display to teach grade school kids about basic chemistry, and today I'm dodging zombies on the way home. I'm low on food and other essentials, which means I have to leave here to buy some. Have you heard anything about when this is going to end or what's being done to stop the virus?"

You tell Parker…