255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnEKIIesl7
My cold skin was slick with morning dew when I pulled myself from it to start the hunt for a trinket to present Missy with. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo66HoRhl4
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6UCfOySeB
I still had some time before her voice would call on the wind. I'd find something beautiful to add to the collection I had already bestowed her with. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfq1abLGcz
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxQ8s8kNwq
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTtaOnWsQ4
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nPZtAJQ0G
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHHzbE7FZG
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveYqODBs2x
My heart thudded with excitement when I pulled the straw free to place it down. I turned my attention to the plastic lid that I flipped over and sliced with my claw into segments. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRckDYDzfpC
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu4JhvsGr3
Ripping the paper cup along its length, I tore it into smaller segments, each with poked holes in the middle, so I could split it like I had done with the cup and fold in the rough edges. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMsANdXjGi
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28IcGPmVmT
I pushed and crimped the paper until all the layers came together on the plastic bottom. I forced the straw back through, squashing the top into a ball. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQutPmv4Fzu
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2IssC22Ks
I held up my flower with pride, twirling its torn petals to see it present the flashes of colour that had been printed on the cup. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS9O3zjgMN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcJV8zcHgl
Would she like it? Should I make more? 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl57QJJPzq
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOgyonFjYF
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq3UOHcuJ6
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhxxiPSAJs
One would do then. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09K6ECWecu
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYqV8sNMZJ
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAadnVdZSF7
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PSekYA5fU
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEls43qIwwN
"You be good to her, Soup!" he warned me with a raise of the paper while I continued past him "don't be giving her trouble, you hear?" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GGhkqO83E
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsRM4nPmy8
I caught sight of Missy's red hair stuffed beneath her blue helmet outside her house. She had on a dark red trench coat over her yellow dress that tried to peek beneath it. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xevyHJUXn
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB1SjnjBuc
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VZBLbMu3w
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa7UMYtsyx
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP6XKj7mgt
Everything inside me fell at the sight of her laying down a bowl of water and thin vegetable soup in the grass she stomped down. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YgfbUabjA
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9hfiP1adY
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1dvQ4zz7S
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZNMxmfpAJ
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0hNpWWaHw
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry6nczAZ7W
I lifted up the flower to her when she sat on her scooter to heave it forwards off the stand. The whole thing lurched but she wrestled it under control so she could start it up. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsd9Sx08CX
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NjmnFD8LL
"Thank you" she smiled warmly to it, her eyes softening at the gesture "I'll hang onto this, OK? Maybe the people at the big city will like it?" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3L5eZTkaX
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb3aewe08X
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuZiWnnvyK
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NYTbqnxXx
"Got to go!" Missy panicked and shoved the flower down the side of the parcels when she looked ahead to see the train racing along the tracks "love you! Be good!" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzG0u9HFnU
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLyh1E6ewX
She took off as fast as her scooter would allow her. It cut a path through the grass and struggled to keep up as the train easily graced the beginning of the bridge and powered on. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48U3Y5L37M
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnXDW4tk65
I watched her speed for it desperately. Inside, I was hoping she would be just a little bit too late so she would have to come home and enjoy her time with me. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcY7tDOrPG
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl5iACQGuK
I saw her skid when she turned the corner to fly across the tracks and rush to park up her scooter while the train pulled into the station with a huff of its brakes. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKwblLggaz
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSlWsWJVyp
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMzhcoR7Z0
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNUXhDQ8iL
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsWYshFAj7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Oot3rtoG
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIa1u7LO8T
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4u5Vsqs6Z
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrw9w6m8Er
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrlA4cKaLY
Her hand hung out the window, waving for a little while longer, until it was pulled back inside by the momentum speeding her off into the distance. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAsBNffetE
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HGFuEK4zf
I didn't chase her today. I just sat there with the watery soup, trying to drag out its bitter flavour that was far too diluted to even be called food. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQkITJkdXi
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR7cUqOwUi
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA6LQmyryn
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YgP3GwNBQ
She'd be gone for hours. Maybe I could do something helpful and try to find a way to trickle some extra funds into her pocket? 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1F8fSAajD
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFQL8p7ldg
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MGsbxVFbK
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynslZMLDGi
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdZR64LOvk
It'd be a nice surprise to have a warm house and hot food. She could even believe Bartie had waddled his way down here to do it for her. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N0k1cIBMx
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HG8sm3oFE
A stretch, but a believable one. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYlK3AS3Zu
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMBt902Jn8
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aoh3txhGw
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoFVQ2joqv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpqcWonOFR
I clambered over the sink piled with dirty dishes and pots beneath the window, hooking my toes in the basin on my awkward crawl through. I desperately gripped onto the stone bench so I didn't slice my feet on the knives laid across it and go tumbling to the ground. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeSKsaWq2x
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggLmwpHM0o
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKALcKMXj7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgJYmibvdB
She really must have been in a rush. The pot from last night was here too with some water in the bottom to soak off the residue that clung to the water like a film. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ0FIgPO7Y
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGK9H4cucr
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo1vLNSxnB
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw9csW9Dhq
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUoY3dOtoY
I'd be better to do this in my human form. I could even give it some care too with a hot shower and proper food from Missy's fridge. She wouldn't notice if a little of it went missing. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfECgHBJEpU
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU5OoRuRv7
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoroJK3D2wk
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs8Hi8fkl0
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1WWkRUb2Y
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvyGYkOdrq
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98EjBsDu5d
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02KqaB94OR
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimDWrHtSYa
The back door had another to the right of it where I finally found the bathroom and the shower piled with all sorts of scrubs, lotions, and soaps.
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPBvnM8PBZ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ940eJeod4F
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQcV2YK379
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l1NTQkiAT
My black hair was saved from most of the neglect since it fell out when I took my wild form. Having it sprout back so rapidly made it burn at my scalp I tried to calm with cooling shampoos and conditioners. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP72H3JWDQ0
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2omb7WgPCh
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY62Ya72mT
The dark blue towel I buffed my body with became my new skirt I tied around my waist to have some sort of decency during the housework. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1foL2tbzN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxs9YNy2jB
I flipped on the radio she had nestled on a cupboard in the kitchen and felt the energy of the music flood through me. It motivated me to hunt through the cupboards for spray and cloth so I could start on the splatter on the walls. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmUHehYoP9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItQSzNchWY
I drained the old water to fill the sink and pick through the dangerous submerged mess beneath the bubbles clouding them. I bopped to the contagious tunes, tapping my feet happily while seeing things slowly come together. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypJ2gVarAv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NLDqFCixk
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiY79DDs2g
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMceCvQEeqv
The coffee table had the magazines across it restacked into the corner. The empty cup of coffee dropped into the sink, and the ceramic coasters of mosaic landscapes were replaced in their holder. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZTqr9H0BL
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K6IQqIsJh
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTT8m236N2
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1QBR2UUKe
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWTAkhblfp
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpHYYh4qR2
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzvEvsuOpl
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtFHhrTD6M
Hosing them down filled me with satisfaction. Plucking out the grass and baby thistles gave her beloved vegetables a new hope in their raised beds I skimmed through for the biggest heads I could pluck. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYXf4rgEIP
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZILrede67
The garden was still in early stages of replanting. I only had a few carrots and potatoes to heap into the basket looped over my arm. The pumpkins tangled in a growth of leaves were far too small to rip from the stems, and the new row of corn was barely breaking the surface of the dirt. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HQiDFk8Er
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr32aiANiSA
Missy was also trying to grow a little bush of blueberries in the corner. There were strawberries showing promise through their nibbled leaves I lifted up to inspect. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QkOSXPotr
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgtYUkNNhL
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCxkkKPBog
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbplJoBkyr
The new vegetables made a nice pile on the benchtop while I fished through the fridge to find the soups Missy had stored into reusable containers. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7V4iwMIbh
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2NjgWoVq0
The watery vegetable one could be poured into the nice beef one to bulk it out and diminish the poor taste. With all the flavour in the beef one, the added vegetables would give it more heart. The fresh ones I had washed and cut could help stretch it further for her without destroying her hard work.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCPytnTByk
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxucSX1TJPD
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CUqvl156D
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCYmEWHJND
A few herbs from the window wouldn't hurt. I threw them in too and increased the heat before continuing my cleaning of the house. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWiN9s65m5
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXAQwkgmlP
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9bEjeHCZx
The combined living area looked homely and inviting. On the coffee table I had even placed the baby thistles pulled from the garden into a little brown bottle I found sitting beside her bin. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA36kK2dATC
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH9x1dZYgT
Somehow, it worked. The spikes of the thistle leaves and the peeking purple fluffed at the top of the close heads added a rugged beauty to the wooden table. It wasn't soft wildflowers, but it was something I was sure she'd appreciate nether less. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HaPtdPW1z
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81U6pL1Put
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpl1U2NN70
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4vJB3AtI2
The flavour was as hearty as the original batch with the added rosemary clinging to the beef and the basil wrapped into the multitude of vegetables buried beneath the brown broth. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSjwyfEm3P
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze5wI0dDHr
Missy will love this. There wasn't a hint of the sadness that was the soup she had thrown together today. She'd come home to something that would warm her soul as much as mine. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KbTonwgvq
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjfGh3vozo
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9FwOzQhwp
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZysFM0wAJf
It'd be better if she came through those doors, expecting me to be here. She'd smile at the sight of me, and I'd go over to kiss her cheek before asking her how her day was. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwxvk4TI2v
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsER9lZCqUP
Maybe she'd have stories of the big city to tell? She did like this one man who pretended to be a statue in the square. It fascinated her how resolved he was amongst all the faces refusing to look at him. Missy liked to throw change into his hat just to see him smile. She understood his struggle a little too well. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQbrNEoZQc
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnY7Z3xPlN
She could come speeding home, screaming out my name and jumping around the house that she sold every one of her dresses today. We'd hold each other and celebrate with a lavish cake from the bakery. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgm8ua1blq
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKcbdLvSal
But I had to be gone before she saw me here. I wouldn't get to see her reaction or comfort her if it all went wrong. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5Y1J5czS3
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqBvpZ1NLm
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfucA9Oebm
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDiCwJIh0t
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXHa1bczXz
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOdMLVu6hP
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp27j5WlZd8
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiCchmncgR
I got to my feet and was on my way to the window when I saw the train barrel past with its lights illuminating my frozen stance. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1SenpZUWh
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlzG6a4iDD
Was it that time already?255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjCXsEQqRf
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iMxSCHIkl
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV0Blxadti
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfJv1w95vW
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmHp1sKMEi
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcTPxOlJLu
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65NymIsarE
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0aqtI4Xfk
The front door slammed before I skidded to the oven to rip out a container from the cupboard below to tip the soup into, slopping some on the bench. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqOWH5KBBR
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9kj5LApPH
The plastic wrap I slapped over it wasn’t going to seal the steam trying to pry it up on its way into the fridge. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCrIntHJPc
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTPEnQWsx2
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwlOM2xckG
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8EU43Bpkq
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaexC3WnpNB
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE45hsCU6RA
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAnfJACZVW
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IXiiHq2Tb
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW8y7dXNQ9
I still clutched the pot that I filled with water when I saw light flood the grass and Missy's scooter chop a new path through it towards the fence. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvE937cYXU
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwX4Vs4x8x
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpcI1CAM1Z
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnYMkjtF6x
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0Pki6s46B
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTSBXSUsar
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQEKR4otqT
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vHv5sn787
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekg2DUcLcS
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1tWD7q3vh
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpq8b5aVrb
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIswNXZBWv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy4qL2nIY2
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHT6SZCdkn
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl190J3Lgz
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMrDNE2ToU
The back door opened to a flood of light over my hunched frame. It had me squinting up to try and see Missy's body failing to block most of it.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcD8zehQb2
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ykiAe5eWa
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7qU7DdiR0
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ83MQqxRn
"Soup?" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj62X4tUyr8
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY7FyEqYCe
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabv66fulOy
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRhPgdhDhf
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KgS9hoN9z
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorYVlIF5lo
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4xD7TGZLS
I wasn't still human, was I? 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94JLN5Io89
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAzP36zTJy
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0NLO5Yezw
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBBelwhiif
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ5NVtuAQi
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG5dXVFfze
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UfWjLGVWX
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWSHfmRiZD
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zWP1PhhF7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4WgR7zs0I
Missy crouched down and I could see the hem of her dress shaking under her red coat. Her eyes searched, trying to piece it all together. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLFbDOKdTh
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVQjX37jdf
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhloDrpEIA
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8XIVZBmxD
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuwyNCqYe9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKELyOop04U
"Did you...?" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqmJODmbTx
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sgqmyDyoM
She shuffled forth and I backed up, searching for an exit that wasn't blocked in by her fence ringing the tiny yard dedicated to her garden I had ploughed through. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvnphoNq5p
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpGyITGiE7
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mDSbvMXfd
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UOl4rdcSx
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v0NCuj6O9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcFDk0lDQM
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kjpc5ohBl
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dbHsNI1jT
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuL3uw4gCv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz9JZD2pCA
Missy backed up immediately when I darted around her and raced for the door. I hesitated on the front porch but saw her running after me.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRziJ1NuzN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoPIoWY8Bd
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjbOagF4Ow
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRHwxtzkLB
No. She couldn't see me here. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLPfs7GJL8
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUHcNc0dal
I scrambled down the stairs as her feet pounded on the wood behind me and slithered through the tall grass to find refuge only a few paces away. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf1aodVIp2
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4lX7uoHUO
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMc4xUiu4N
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHa38fnoPC
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l0agl2XaN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaplKOYv8S8
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJjrTIJa6f
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl1Ti14S1r
I wanted to comfort her but knew I couldn't. She was already suspicious of my presence and would confirm her own theories if I returned. I'd ruin it for the both of us. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUKnDLYPlH
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ84qqE3ub
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEIUarAFRT
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnDTKzNNo5
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhonqgwtfZP
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6eb9dYTPM
I bolted for the tracks before she could try and call me back, keeping my eyes firmly on the safety of the bridge shrouded in darkness where I knew she wouldn't be able to reach me. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc1Km4b2Jw
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7tf1pTLIF
She would have a clear head tomorrow. She'd sleep on her silly stories and realise that I couldn't possibly have done all that; her simple pet. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4KFdMeMhF
She'd be happy, knowing that she would still have no burdens in her life, and things would go back to pleasant chit-chat over food together.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7sT6I9iMM
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPyNSu4FSP
It would be how it was.
