Zombie Games Book Five (End Zone) by Kristen Middleton

anymore.”
    He nodded. “I understand. You’ve been through a lot and have every right to feel these things. But I assure you, they will leave you alone because you’re with me. Now, come along.”
    Both girls hesitated.
    “Girls, if you can’t trust me, who can you trust?” asked the priest, his eyes wide.
    “What else can we do?” asked Allie.
    “Not much, I guess,” she replied.
    Sighing, they began to walk with Father Brambati again, followed by the other two strangers, who remained aloof. As they were led down the corridor, they noticed that many of the shops had been looted or just destroyed. Merchandise was strewn everywhere, mannequins tipped over, and broken glass littered the carpeting.
    “Not quite what you remember, hmm?” asked the priest , nodding towards a coffee shop that had been trashed. Coffee beans, shattered glass, and dried blood were all that remained of what had been one of the most popular stores in the mall.
    “No,” replied Allie, feeling sick to her stomach. Not at all. For years she’d taken special trips to the megamall with her grandparents, especially during the holidays. Now, gone were the days of holiday lights, Christmas trees, and colorful decorations. Sadly, there would never be another over-crowded line of children to see Santa or people caroling in the background. The magic was gone and in its place was nothing but ruin, destruction, and the filthy undead loitering in the hallways.
    She looked at Adria and felt sorry for the little baby who would never get to e xperience the same types of joys that she did growing up. She reached over and touched her soft head. “If we ever get out of this mess, I’m going to make sure that you learn about Santa Claus, though. And Christmas trees.”
    “ And presents,” said Kylie.
    “Yes,” said Allie.
    Most of the zombies shuffled by, not paying them any attention while they continued walking. Others, however, stared at them in confusion, as if they didn’t know quite what to make of them.
    “Where are we going?” asked Allie, watching the zombies closely.
    “You’ll see,” replied Father Brambati. “We’re almost there.”
    “Billie said that he was taking us back to our families,” said Kylie.
    “I’m sure he’s arranged to have them pick you up here,” said the priest.
    “I think I’d prefer waiting outside,” mutter ed Allie as she stepped over a dismembered hand.
    The priest laughed. “Come on now, we’re almost there. Hey, I’ll bet you’re excited to see the theme park?”
    “Are you kidding?” replied Allie. “This place is dead, just like the freaks walking by us. I’m not excited about anything but getting the heck out of here. Oh gross.”
    A zombie with one eye hanging from her cheek by tendrils stared at Allie as they walked by.
    “And the nightmares just keep getting worse,” she whispered, trying not to gag.
    “Think of Adria,” mumbled Kylie. “And the nightmares she’s going to have.”
    Allie stared down at the baby. “If we get out of this, she’s definitely going to need some kind of therapy.”
    “We all will,” said Kylie as they rounded the corner.
    “We’re almost there,” said Father Brambati, smiling eerily. “I can’t wait for you to see it.”
    When they made it to the outside of the park, both girls froze, unable to comprehend exactly what their eyes were seeing.
    “Oh my God, what is that?” gasped Kylie.
    “It’s some kind of hole,” replied Allie, in shock.
    Kylie took a step back. “Yeah, but how in the heck did it get here?”
    In the center of the building, next to the rollercoaster, where there used to be concrete and ceramic tile, was a giant black hole. It was about one hundred feet wide, perfectly circular, and it almost appeared to be… pulsating.
    “It looks like it’s alive,” whispered Allie, in horror.
    “It’s about time you showed up. Come closer and have a better look!” hollered Billie, who stood next to the hole with Jenny.
    The