Adjustment Period, Day 5

The cleanup was taking its toll. Dale had been walking for days and he was pretty sure the rest of the living had fallen behind. Now it was just him and the tireless mob of the undead, trudging forward, rescuing, untangling. Helping.

Exhausted, he sank to his knees. The crowd pressed forward. Bony arms engulfed him, lifting him to his feet.

“Come on, guys, have a heart!” Dale pleaded.

~~~

Dale liked walking with his friends. Dale liked to help. The hole in his chest let in the cool air.

Dale walked.

Dale helped.

***

Author's note: This is the third story in a series that evolved from a single microfiction piece, which you can read here. You can read the next episode here. The evolution has been driven by comments from my fellow creators on the original. This particular episode was inspired by a comment from the eloquent and prolific "JBaz." Check out his work below. You'll be glad you did:

Thanks, Jason, and thanks to the readers!