36

You are startled awake and open your eyes. Emma stands above you.

"Victor zombie, you were having a nightmare."

You blink several times and rub your eyes. Emma's cool hands press against your forehead and cheek.

"It's six o'clock, and we better get going soon. Heather's brother wants us there by mid-afternoon. We have breakfast ready."

"Where are we going anyway?" you ask and sit on the edge of the bed.

"The military is keeping everyone inside the city, but that's where the largest zombie population is. They're trying to quarantine us. If we stay here, we're dead. Tom has some location outside the city, and the only way out is by boat. The government can't keep watch over the ocean as easily as highways and bridges."

You nod.

"Take a few minutes but be quick. We're almost done packing," Emma says. "At least, I am. Heather—not so much."