6 Cassie
“Have you killed any of the monsters?” asked the child.
I’d been helping Sister Theresa feed the children peanut butter and crackers in the courtyard when the little girl asked me. She’d been sitting alone, clutching one of those American Girl Dolls like she was afraid it would disappear from her life, like everything else.
“Zombies?” I asked, not knowing exactly how to respond to that kind of question from such a young child. She reminded me of Allie when she was younger, with her light hair and dimples. Unfortunately, her hazel eyes were filled with a haunted sadness that made me want to cry.
She nodded.
“Yes, a few.”
She clutched her doll tight against her chest. “Good.”
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Kallie,” she said, a shy smile spreading across her face.
“I’m Cassie
