World War Z_ An Oral History of the Zombie War ( PDFDrive )

TROY, MONTANA, USA
[This neighborhood is, according to the brochure, the “New Community” for the
“New America.” Based on the Israeli “Masada” model, it is clear just from first
glance that this neighborhood was built with one goal in mind. The houses all
rest on stilts, so high as to afford each a perfect view over the twenty-foot-high,
reinforced concrete wall. Each house is accessed by a retractable staircase and
can connect to its neighbor by a similarly retractable walkway. The solar cell
roofs, the shielded wells, the gardens, lookout towers, and thick, sliding, steelreinforced
gate have all served to make Troy an instant success with its
inhabitants, so much so that its developer has already received seven more
orders across the continental United States. Troy’s developer, chief architect,
and first mayor is Mary Jo Miller.]
Oh yeah, I was worried, I was worried about my car payments and Tim’s business loan. I was
worried about that widening crack in the pool and the new nonchlorinated filter that still left an
algae film. I was worried about our portfolio, even though my e-broker assured me this was just
first-time investor jitters and that it was much more profitable than a standard 401(k). Aiden
needed a math tutor, Jenna needed just the right Jamie Lynn Spears cleats for soccer camp. Tim’s
parents were thinking of coming to stay with us for Christmas. My brother was back in rehab.
Finley had worms, one of the fish had some kind of fungus growing out of its left eye. These were
just some of my worries. I had more than enough to keep me busy.
Did you watch the news?
Yeah, for about five minutes every day: local headlines, sports, celebrity gossip. Why would I want
to get depressed by watching TV? I could do that just by stepping on the scale every morning.
What about other sources? Radio?
Morning drive time? That was my Zen hour. After the kids were dropped off, I’d listen to [name
withheld for legal reasons]. His jokes helped me get through the day.
What about the Internet?
What about it? For me, it was shopping; for Jenna, it was homework; for Tim, it was…stuff he kept
swearing he’d never look at again. The only news I ever saw was what popped up on my AOL
welcome page.
At work, there must have been some discussion…