"It was on a beautiful September day" (p. 1).

"The blue flash had reduced mankind to feeble insignificance - a mere one-twelfth of its former size" (p. 6).

"I'm afraid you're awake, beat. And I don't know what's going on. We're both living in a nightmare. I hope to God your father and Mouse are okay" (p. 15).

"Whatever happened, God's sure got a hell of a sense of humor" (p. 18).

"Maybe it's something to do with the Gaia effect. That's why other creatures aren't affected. The Gaia effect. Mother earth's natural way of protecting herself. You see, the other creatures weren't a threat to her" (p. 23).

"Some leave to search for loved ones, but most stay with Mouse, trusting him like a prophet to lead them to safety" (p. 35).

"Why doesn't God just kill us and get it over with" (p. 58).

"Beat invites those who show kindness to her home...