365

The phone rings and immediately connects.

"Hello? Luth?" Parker says, his voice agitated. You haven't seen Parker in a few weeks, which is rare since the two of you quickly became friends a year ago when he moved in. Besides the fact that you're both Asian, you were drawn to his sense of humor and laid-back attitude, while he maintains an outstanding work ethic and sense of responsibility.

"Yep, it's me. How are you? I tried calling yesterday and left a message."

"I was stuck at the museum almost all night," he says through a sigh, his voice more nasally than normal. "I'm glad to be home. It's a mess on the streets, and more and more people are showing signs of infection. I hope you're fine with being inside for a while, because I don't recommend being anywhere else."

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…