Blam!

Perfect headshot! The zombie exploded under my honed aim and I instinctively moved to the next. I was so close! Just five more zombies.

Four!

Three!

Two!

One!

I reached level 1000 the second the zombie's tattered remains touched the ground, and cheered with delight. The number 1000 covered my field of vision with its shining glory. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a zombie strike the killing blow to my force field. I quickly blinked the numbers away, cursing myself for my excitement, but it was too late. The force field was gone and the zombies won.

Just then, I felt my stomach twist slightly. It was probably growling outside the helmet. I ignored it. I had finally gotten the twin guns I had had my eye on since level 700 - and on the day before my eleventh birthday, no less - and damn it if I was going to let a natural impulse ruin my moment of happiness. I found myself in the zombie sim lobby, holding my newly acquired twin pistols.

The new game was only seconds away from starting when I realized there was a hand on my shoulder. Sighing, I removed the helmet. "What is it?" I asked, not turning around.

"You should really be nicer sis. You never know who could be behind you."

My face split into a huge grin. "Sorry Ally, What's up?"

"You're never going to believe this," she said, an elated grin on her face. "Finn Grey just asked me out!"

I tried to look like I cared. "Who is he again?"

"Only the cutest boy in school! "

"How many of those are there now? Six?"

"Oh, shut up." Smiling, she swatted at me and I dodged easily.

Slightly more seriously, she pulled out two dresses. A gaudy orange satin monstrosity and a deep indigo silk blouse.

"You're great at this stuff. What should I wear?"

"You're joking." I stifled a laugh.

"Look, this stuff may be obvious to you but-"

"This stuff is obvious to everyone who isn't you, Ally." She looked between the dresses again.

"Fine, I'm fashion-blind. That's what you're for. Which one do I wear?" I giggled and pointed to

the indigo blouse.

"Thanks Tina!" she shouted, already leaving my room. No doubt she was going to put on makeup then stare at the clock until her date came to pick her up. Fleetingly, I looked at the vr headset, and decided against it. Best to savor my winning streak for now. Picking up my laptop, I decided to do some shopping.