“Let’s play zombies,” I told my sister.

I instructed Kelsey to bury me under the pile of autumn leaves our father raked together in our yard. Once I was covered, I waited a moment … then burst out of the pile with a monstrous growl. Kelsey squealed with delight.

“My turn!” she shouted. “Do me!”

Kelsey giggled as I covered her with leaves.

Then, silence.

I waited.

Ten seconds.

Twenty.

Thirty.

“Kelsey?” No answer. “Kelsey, come out!”

Nothing.

I swept the leaves away from where I had buried her. I found her shoes. Her clothes. Her jacket.

But Kelsey was gone.

---

Looking for more? Check out all the free stories, drabbles, and podcasts. And be sure to follow @warrenbenedetto on Twitter.

---