SF Drabble #397 "The Moon Tree"

We planted her as soon as there was soil. Right there in the middle of town, where the filtered-just-right sunshine could hit her regardless of which direction it was coming from.

Twenty years ago.

It was a tradition to propose marriage under her boughs before she had boughs to speak of. Kids pick up acorns for luck: if they're caught with more than one, they get grounded and have to write a letter of apology to the Mayor. I saw a new transportee carelessly snap off a branch once. He was beaten half to death before the Cops got there.

Zombie Drabble #394 "The Blessed Event"

Cheech exclaimed, "Jesus, isn't there any way to keep her quiet?"

"Even seen a woman give birth?" Randolph raised his eyebrows.

"Nope."

"Well take it from me: she's gonna holler. She's gonna scream her head off. All we can do about it is fight off whatever hears her until they're ready to move again."

"When'll that be?"

"If they both come through healthy?" Randolph shrugged. "Few days. It'd be less, we had a doctor."

"Fuck," protested Cheech. "Look, here comes one already."

A zombie shambled down the street, coming for crying mother and child.

"I'll bring up some more ammo."