“…Life’s so unfair when your best friend’s a ghoul. The end.” I put down the book and quietly make my way towards the door so that I don’t wake her, but it’s no use. The isn’t exactly a four star hotel we’re staying in.

“Aw, I feel bad for the penguin. Goodnight Daddy. I love you.”

“Goodnight, dear. Sweet dreams.”

I pull the door shut behind me and head for the lobby. As I exit the building, I pass members of the 27th Squad returning from their latest mission. Decap gives me a big smile. That can’t be a good sign of things to come.

It’s dark outside. If it weren’t for the few small fires burning I wouldn’t be able to see more than a few feet in front of me. It’s only early evening, but most of the children are asleep. They sleep when it’s dark. We don’t follow clocks anymore. Most people don’t even pay attention to the days of the week.

I volunteered to help out with the Corps at night after my daughter fell asleep. I want to go out and help them in the field, but I have to think of my daughter. I can’t risk getting hurt or worse out there. I’m in charge of cleaning and disinfecting the ZEDs each night. It’s not a glamorous job, and the stench is almost unbearable, but it’s the least that I can do to help. The Corps members are risking their lives each and every day so that I can live as normal a life as possible.

As I approach the north side of the parking garage, I find the pile of crowbars and bats covered with the bones and brains of the undead. Some of the squads make more of a mess than others. The 27th is one of the worst. Most listen to their mother’s advice and clean up after themselves. Not the 27th. Next to the pile of clubs, I find a bucket and sponge. I pick up the sponge, wring it out, and get to work.