Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of cursing, graphic violence, animal cruelty, animal death, death by suicide, child abuse, substance use, addiction, cursing, and death.

As Steve enters Garrison Oaks and approaches the library, several dogs begin following him. When he takes a step past the intersection, they attack, biting and dragging him to the ground. Carolyn, who’s in communication with him via cell phone, hears Steve screaming and sends in Dresden and Naga. 

More dogs join the fight. Steve remembers the gun and shoots several of the dogs trying to kill him. The lions eventually kill the rest. However, Steve sees dozens more dogs coming from the nearby woods. He runs inside the nearest house, where Carolyn says he’ll find food, water, and medical supplies. She’ll get him out as soon as possible, she says, but it may be a couple of days. Through the peephole, Steve sees the dogs advancing on the lions. He opens the door and lets the lions in.

The other librarians assume Steve is doomed because the zombie-esque neighbors attack outsiders who enter their houses. Carolyn tells them that Steve is disposable, and she’s fine with him dying. In truth, she knows the dead ones won’t harm anyone who has been resurrected, which Steve has.