Edna never used to be afraid. She walked every morning, greeted neighbors, smiled at children playing, and felt safe. This was her neighborhood, far away from the horrible city. She had lived here all of her life. The crime and violence never reached her.

 Then 'they' came.

***

 She peeked out through the small slit between the boards that she covered the window. Other houses had the same look. Boards nailed over windows, lawns unkempt, like the entire neighborhood had been abandoned. She watched for the evil creatures who roamed, seeking victims.

Thank God my pension is direct deposit.

The store down the street used to deliver her groceries. Edna had ordered a large delivery  before they stopped. She gave Bobby, the delivery boy, a fifty-dollar t...

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