Back-to-back, surrounded by all sorts of nasties wanting a chunk of us, my partner whispered loudly.

“Now?â€?

I chuckled low and deep, “Not yet.â€?

Granted, I was scared as he was, but it just wasn’t time yet. The swarm of them growled with hunger and excitement. Collectively, they moved closer to us at their achingly slow pace.

“Now?!â€? He asked louder this time.

His back pressed harder into mine. I could feel his fear quivering along my spine. It heightened mine to panic, but I swallowed it to hold on a little longer.

“Not yet!â€?

We raised our weapons with anticipation. Any moment now. I clenched my teeth, the inside of my cheeks stuck between them. I could taste the blood filling my mouth. It drowned my fear.

They were so close. The stench of undead flesh and far-too-old-blood filled nostrils. My stomach rolled.

It wasn’t until two of them were right in my face did I yell “Now!â€?

We pulled the pins and the world exploded around us.