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Your smartphone rings, and you answer without hesitation.

"Luth," a hurried voice says before you have a chance to say a word. "Luth, it's me. I need help."

You recognize Jaime's voice, though he sounds out of breath, and a series of harsh, shrill screams fills the background.

"What's wrong? I can barely hear you."

Through the line, a door slams, and you hear rushing wind and the squawking of birds.

"Listen, Luth," Jaime says, huffing with deep breaths. "I made it to the roof. I'm safe for now. I was only a mile or so from your house, but they came up on me. They shot at me, clipped my shoulder, but I made it into a high school. You know the one—Chipper Ridge High. Problem is—I don't know how I'm getting off the roof. Zombies are all over the place. They chased me until I climbed a work ladder on the fourth floor. I've got some food and water, but I'm not sure how long I'll last. Plus, I can see the parking lot from here, and their jeep is still there. I wouldn't ask if I knew another way—"

"Who's chasing you? What's going on?"

"Dillan and his group. I should have never—I can't explain now. Please, you gotta help me."

"I'm on my way, Jaime," you say. "Stay on the roof. I'll be there as soon as possible."

"Thanks, Luth," he says, and in the background, the sounds of close gunfire ring out. The call ends, and you know what needs to be done.