In the suburban streets of Arlington, Virginia, a unique tale of zombie resilience unfolded. Buford, a unique specimen of the undead who, unlike his grotesque peers, retained a pallid, sickly human visage, decided to challenge the tedium of his undead existence. Behind the back of his beloved wife, Trini, Buford set forth on a clandestine mission: to secure employment and reconnect with his long-lost human identity.

Beneath the towering heights of Arlington’s skyscrapers, Buford embarked on his quest, acutely aware of the bewildered looks thrown his way. His deathly pallor, unusual even for the sickliest of humans, became a spectacle on the city streets.

His journey led him to “The Mystic Crypt,” a haven of gothic artistry and cryptic charms. Inside, it was a realm of dark artistry, filled with macabre paintings and strange artifacts. Mortimer, the elderly proprietor, ruled this world. A former horror film actor, Mortimer had left the limelight for the shadowy mysteries of the occult.

Buford’s pale, sickly appearance was an unexpected addition to the shop’s dark aesthetics. After a cursory interview, Mortimer, intrigued by the strange yet familiar figure, decided to bring Buford on board, though not without suspicions.

Thus, Buford’s human life’s semblance began. His workdays were a series of near-disastrous comedic incidents. His memory, not as sharp as it once was, led to misplaced items and perplexed customers. Occasionally, he’d absent-mindedly gnawed on worms, inducing terror in the unsuspecting patrons.

His double life, however, was no easy feat. Trini almost stumbled upon his secret on several occasions. Once, she dropped by the shop, forcing Buford to dive into a display coffin for cover. On another occasion, a call from Trini, while he was mid-way through a customer transaction, almost exposed his secret.

Buford was walking a tightrope, living on the edge of a perpetual risk – the fear of Trini discovering his secret and the ongoing charade at the shop. However, the thrill was invigorating; it was the most human he had felt since his transformation.

One day, Mortimer summoned Buford to his private office. His face was lit with a rare smile. “Buford,” Mortimer began, “I’ve known about your… unique condition since you first entered. I admit, it intrigued me. Zombies represent an inherent fear of mortality and the unknown. It’s why I loved the horror genre. Ever seen ‘Night of the Living Dead’? George A. Romero was a genius.”

A shared appreciation for Romero’s work sparked a unique camaraderie between Mortimer and Buford. For the first time since becoming undead, Buford felt understood and accepted. Meanwhile, Mortimer, in his secluded existence, found an extraordinary companion.

Buford’s secret was out, and yet, he felt a newfound freedom. In this strange haven of gothic artistry, he had found more than just a job. He had found a place of acceptance, a place where he could embrace his strange condition, without fear or regret. And, above all, a place where he could once again, feel a glimmer of his lost humanity.