“I’m just waiting to hear from my mom and dad. I want to make sure they’re okay before I take off…oh shit, they’re looting and burning the houses at the end of my block,” Dan said, the impossibility of it all lending an edge of hysteria to his still calm voice. “They just pulled a 50 inch plasma out of the Williams’ house. And it’s all being broadcast on TV. And nobody’s stopping them…”

“Dude, you’ve got to get out of there while you still can! Get your ass over to my house with whatever you can fit into your car. Anything you leave behind is as good as gone.”

“But, my mom and dad are still…” Dan responded hesitantly.

“Your mom and dad are either already getting the hell out of there or won’t be back in time to salvage anything from your house before the looters get there – get the hell out!”

“Well, I guess-”

“There’s no time to guess! Those rat-bastards are probably next door right now. Grab your shit and get out!”

“Right. I’ll see you in a few.” Dan said, before hanging up the phone.