The atmosphere in the apartment was buzzing with cautious energy after Ethan's arrival. The group was still adjusting to having a new face among them, and everyone took turns keeping an eye on him. Sprinkles, Mallory's scruffy apocalypse dog, seemed thrilled with the change. But amidst all the commotion, one question hung in Mallory's mind like a forgotten task on a to-do list:
Where was Blinky?
It had been weeks since the little blob-like creature had made an appearance. The refrigerator's spontaneous gift of the quirky, jiggly pet had been one of the strangest moments in Mallory's already bizarre apocalypse life. Blinky had been an ever-curious companion, often plopping around the apartment, chewing on random objects, and occasionally glowing when startled.
But lately, Blinky had gone suspiciously quiet.
