It has been five hundred days since the world was invaded. It’s just you and your mom, Evelyn. She is putting out the laundry on the line in silence. You are sitting on top of the barn, staring over the corn fields, until Evelyn finishes up and waves for attention. Time for dinner. she signs. You and your mom learnt sign language. You had no choice because if you make even the smallest noise, the aliens snatch you up in a heartbeat. You’ve witnessed it, with your father. He sacrificed himself to save the two of you.