262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMevg799oKi
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiwreWGXOV
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrFj2sETdP
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnPcRqxJTa
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69sjJTcTL6
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTmEUqoVra
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTI5bmijwX
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFuSQzUOjE
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tIDUdLiOO
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv6ZQU4xPb
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExhFiCZHg6
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGJdGwXmjA
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsx7lY0qVi
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g45VyxEEh
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5LRmCaiZV
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykueiP82Tz
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M2xm1IVpW
Would she like it? Should I make more? 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwmDH5fmPJ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC7W4pdO6u
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRgqSn28NW
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziGIrJqKIF
One would do then. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdZp9VwmKf
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcehjJxR4f2
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelo7gfKd0r
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcJH14Dxqq
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKlkeqqn6W
"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?" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnjt2kl0kd
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KR11BbkeP
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TlC7EAAJV
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqQjBwQ2QG
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SOXjgC6Nh
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9NGzvjwWm
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqm1i3oepG
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlhPIMCGBi
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZutyQYEGN
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHw75WnmmG
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvDGrIZ2He
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtjjxGyDOe
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnfNQs6ba4
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjSN2EKUHa
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfZZT6F74Y
"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?" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflFpwUg29f
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWSagXsYg9
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMAtyPlBSZ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ63ORgiG4
"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!" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl1xKzdFj7
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzltC7ZlEr
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWfXd5HzIt
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaGw2zu3ak
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQFjNw0KeD
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZkgrcqsQ5
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUeRJRxM8g
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxRgD4YkIZ
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcded8RHeQf
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO7P1J4rD4
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBXmbJSZqn
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQUm4z8lkH
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL59rlrOEq
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwY2egMrQH
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBNUJxeayl
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6DB8hhmCN
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy09MEPScnI
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIeZxU153C
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQdTZWxyYg
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKmG7dTcAx
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjHHuMMgQA
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QqrXCrcfl
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? 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1kIymejKG
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLAD4f7jSc
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5VAFR4GV7
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HNgaNcdfk
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREP7P2XrnA
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsQVyTaysF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqk96ez8wK
A stretch, but a believable one. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJae85XCWX
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8jyyIlgih
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVShQgf6VZI
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtgy7oiaTJ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkY6oNK6ur
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAH93tRtCg
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLfYqPWmiE
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0OF1hY5UY
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqkxamF6hI
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6Es2A9Dud
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoSNKBTFkA
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNtQNxNcUV
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdjtA069ND
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WXcpTgnTi
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2AwqOI58F
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbdtiM7jHV
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIOuujQyoD
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4Oj2prw0j
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZquPZdk9aE
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDapq7Kxqb
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBiCzFm1t3
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkowYD6NcZ
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cx8mfIMAv
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.
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPmS1kvsgO
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6CnHDRIrb
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXdAG22hbC
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPJkpZdxgx
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vlx59HGkQ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtWWq1m08U
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFESaTHxNHu
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ085SSFpn0B
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNshLw2fMKF
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv6BNvuuad
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OGFc30vd7
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ift4vMlh0
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaDHpz5JNU
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKrbO4018J
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH1NHzgt03
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYepNYY14F
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26r3O6sxCZ
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6RLX1AHis
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT9WV1Pr1N
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFdXFGIsah
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3qP1Xbt07
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp6D4rjv4G
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpwTmJv7GI
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuokHF9c3Np
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatSjHPZnPB
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLP552zH8L
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVnydQJeSs
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJNHULjTpG
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWjwN7zoal
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhBwodt8im
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMQI8uJB2J
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZOJiwkLZZ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ666IPDcN55
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4U95eOHwW
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpYfcUEEiB
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TipgQffcs
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18WEDbTfsi
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXBDWLYP5O
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WX4jqnZyS
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn8Z932kkE
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQmbyEDbkS
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrhNEfnCjK
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIDk6FyS6H
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSdxvJ7gjG
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrjKcRgtrE
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2ayY9xkli
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEskweySVk5
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26I8O9wJ8A
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrohDgmweg
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC29nUtUZ38
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC35eaSRY5p
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYZ6HyJGqr
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIwxIof698
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK8CwtL8PG
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIDxKJiQke
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQotUSEfsww
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwM4pcd5Ey
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsdotflVmG
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5AP9QICZ6
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF1WLLzjYC
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBYqcG8dYK
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQSBu9eyrP
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrjTEnOLAJ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3V6App8Y5
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gpyvr7wKT
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ5wrFwVbI
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRlXAd4mCE
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5cblMIC65
Was it that time already?262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOEXJSU6JN
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW41MozCrXe
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fPqBMKPIi
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNDstQ1Xpw
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYbbjU4t72
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxNrGTtQtm
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpyycLp6S3
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtmZ2cKYHx
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDIORrw10N
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU3wgdoBTE
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGL2h9VOqu
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SxS30XjhU
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqVTz58yuq
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAelI3TM5PF
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrPcCCyaOD
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdt4O4f9HP
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXkSSW8AEj
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1jotMtjy0
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9zZ8p8XBc
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gzuT9VVzz
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MPRj4HXWq
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhTOZSe5Nw
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRccSDbTEWD
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb8yEFdnW5
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iN7YHwxc2
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4cErm1o9P
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgHOZgQ9ya
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHwp9pSVI9
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfHWi10dOA
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPOz1uyRjI
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZlkjW5Dzu
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghHSVqj4kP
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6nU4aFheh
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xQ1H68Xod
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtx9Izj3N1
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y4yRYjzEd
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3btnQsFGM
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyiaYpFB5z
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAHJri5rDD
"Soup?" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAitmPWvgm0
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNCc2qJ649
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAr3Cu15kq
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlIHKHvu2f
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv0mSueE7e
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoFOl8pb9c
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL29T06aDai
I wasn't still human, was I? 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScXptCuLY5
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA5Qk9ahQz
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIldNkG8l0
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKzhp9UNwH
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGbbB7IFYg
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4OmHPPrb0
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35ZkEliK5z
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EkD4Am9tK
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuN18DhpqY
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSNVbMU369
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MBlfm6x5A
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYikaoYE63C
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLausSRXql9
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp14f1yniEv
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaFK4frJt7
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmGbS9uzcL
"Did you...?" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKNt7yQLjI
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZYQxZ3qlb
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxi6IiMjuO
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgGRu6Z5Hx
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBrlTctNSf
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSNaga3TBk
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EmXPiJI8A
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ015dmYNxWn
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCv3WoF9hF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7csAgUnRS1
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1SltYvkom
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYHsaFoLHK
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpXTJWZEDL
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnjzfEu8oQ
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo78vjy14W
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVaucS0BGA
No. She couldn't see me here. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRQMStBCy2
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0jFaYy2Kz
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tI5WqbqdM
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZgSG8FKA3
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1xrBQ8alV
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCzx2imJkV
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb6xKNnkbe
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEnSPUlF7z
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVXjGyqXSK
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtecQkl0aZm
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQpdhedPjp
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnqkoVr1uJ
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFArb9okff
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3BOoDhPKA
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1sYH5njEt
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0OboCP3wQ
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TO6tlEvPe
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXjmYTrN8Q
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. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqp7dqCnMk
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMRcocvqC0
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0esjWtzca
It would be how it was.
