“Why can’t I play with Billy anymore, mom?”

“I’m sorry, sweetie, but Billy got bitten by a bad man and now, well, he’s not Billy anymore.”

“What is he?”

“You know how Ms. Chalmers chased you down the street the other day saying ‘brains, brains’?”

“Yeah, that was scary. Thanks for using the axe on her.”

“Billy’s like Ms. Chalmers now. He’s a… zombie.”

“That starts with Z!”

“Very good, Tommy. You’re learning so fast.”

“Mommy, will I turn into a zombie too?”

“Not if I can help it. Now, go get mommy’s shotgun while I pull the stairs up and electrify the fence.”