321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhUXixkySi
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjoRCHlMV7
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGVa7TaPXg
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuID9hutFd2
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6cVFFzGHv
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwb69PWayj
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZceKGVPowN
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldhEuEbF78
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPLsCCBlzy
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty1BVKUXCe
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fgZsxzxAD
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFSxXUZrTy
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiiY26z5nO
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi48aM49GPd
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWUVNQVhvB
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EYbJ3WZvd
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBYUE3SNdg
Would she like it? Should I make more? 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZNPUPrEMV
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCOIQI66IP
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzr5x8MLFV
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzVeQBMwNx
One would do then. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcsc0NislY
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTD7lShIPC
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhby4PlEHIM
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7otXm9AGx
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtHeiaqNZC
"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?" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FmxlYxW9W
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsyR9ArJxC
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmKrJhtaYx
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CIUzAu8Ig
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZJPXofNlb
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRRfKCHAJs
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg5mYDKmOI
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghcjk0caha
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ6PtdegLL
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PYfgj52Me
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX7BxnzguX
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfbBxkVFih
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGObe2z2PBe
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkKe2LP797
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb34Bi1WI7v
"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?" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA1GLpS3qL
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWjWWZdjcg
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgrRVBlz7F
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ100sN78cEp
"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!" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0LEdHSaiU
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVOXPrz6af
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtENPndgAQN
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPyB0vojCJ
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIA93fbJ5F
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxZvIETPJ2
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXetLAbjfpL
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm3cfUySLK
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCy4f3SJht
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YrEs0vTYM
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PfmWArEsI
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3pgY99cJ7
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqMVxI52jx
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndC772Szok
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyv7sjXfMW
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14g9FFhpXf
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6R7QAyLQg
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdgKpBZGW9
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiy5zKXDBx
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsdBmzdKRN
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T3sqDFXeJ
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI6fw3KFm7
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? 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWO2wduJSq
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl6JTCFah8
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgn6gJOg9H
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3KOWAiEYU
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jShv30LQV
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVoIFgU1YR
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlPif9JEGO
A stretch, but a believable one. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjbe0Cf5O7
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpmExpowzL
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AMlH4KLrB
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4gfQlDH1E
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkdEP5ooQg
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ292FGJViV1
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFm93PW5sX
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEIfp5j3Ua
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5IMhhs9wB
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KadLpwRmC
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabUDdngik6
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8xj1ZQhox
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGe8tvP5yu
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz7OcZByan
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYKda1F66A
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXvpOXwbCi
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQTW5GaqYV
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAD5jzWs0s
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu5fLyK7Ab
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegbFZTH2J0
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmuzMhSdJI
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lt80TntWE
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOaTVA4HHJ
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.
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc1El1jjqr
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUifsIMpUAq
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63IRRhTNT1
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FxOPTFPM4
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTtX7rQnQy
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sabdNasFM
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lRMetV78a
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhE7DtBG8M
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzAn0mPh1N
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxvWcPoEqT
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1IuBJQPJY
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGKzJvTcmp
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk4LmolLQy
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHv3Vb9PTT
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Am5f6XT49
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe8SExGzKk
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CCBiudeyB
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQziVuPJz4T
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8fVzp5mkt
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyN80nvqdJ
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0M3Ft8yAK
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7EHSQbMmH
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ226VAYXUca
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiJlzhmf9A
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1MkAPjFjX
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHotdrRtUOP
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy4ac0jKRE
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwCYkwLpnO
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG32Z4LSUQv
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqScoTg5Xu
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhLvjHVIvM
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eHoBUWvNj
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEivzJjWMwo
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.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCcC6Uk4kv
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshRg8meFkw
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLww1f4JVeK
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwebhzrI42i
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg5zS8iV8l
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1zV2iDOas
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t8Uvv7wdQ
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCBJnq7g2d
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzfzUS2cyh
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKVKO9yTZF
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUb88AqDLp
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJzRGdGWul
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV4lrMTdwi
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Nk4pQdR4
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcTFpgS8pA
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsD5h60pTr
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqQ1KfeZku
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEkQasB76E
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSuTamInAS
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHICTJvYFPy
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalwTiNcapJ
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnVeO73WX7
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXmF6SKRlQ
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SIdlZPAzj
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvKJkoBqA5
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd2kobb2im
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtSCDqMXhu
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIub4FbiX1
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4cPgwaQWW
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWA9qv8nVR
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QyDS35hPg
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BH3IzhgkC
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVLP3OB9lB
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgkhKrLJTR
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VBe74rmQE
Was it that time already?321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNBGr2EcXk
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQc3qFHS2k
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z84hJrpqa
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60qDQIbjIM
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzplEoQPOQ
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xXApb2VS9
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxps5SxhcIK
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9eFaflP24
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYtucGOdVu
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6vXsTlK6A
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPJPtAEfNN
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RdsKDs9fo
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEgox5KK0n
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqoA9SxXCM
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs73njJd5go
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAd4UJUNjx
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrZEIx5Cjd
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4sSb7stP1
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03t4ZRCC6u
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs5SpvnFo2
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmIfPCeBxI
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCRQFWHBye
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXTL2F4fPT
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9s3w3hTXX
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFGnXV0VD6
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fD9WlTaON
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhkIZGg5Cr
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5whvdQEpr
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uElMidtxK
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX6QAp1dcL
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ieF0WUGZ0
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxPQXqCSen
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cpQd93qtR
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmUXQ2sfxl
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T9EWr4XZ2
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.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0XKRMb0Dv
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLvKZQQzkI
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdyBGJr4O0
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"Soup?" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDF69yNmCg
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I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFWdUOLSeV
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7I0NRjtdz
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKYf2YDw5F
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs1L3GAHm1
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rQzLEGbAS
I wasn't still human, was I? 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr6KSY9AuW
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAASvQ3wS6I
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgOnvjE2H4
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL4pFzFMR5
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gAgkuAYdh
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ86zwRgZo
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoumMSq5i7k
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6iqcF1yIB
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBReUqz36g
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUweVBfaSu3
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O1wotc7sE
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLuGQdVFyi
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm1F7zJa6t
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nCYZwZkCB
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF58jtsOEN
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zGpNFQz7Q
"Did you...?" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh60rNmaSAL
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxfvJHt8JB
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZHs6nx2IV
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QRsbjlxcj
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomFIcPwCQN
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63HcaM3lM2
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6nrJJ8bNa
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO705dfOgm
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR91djvDsAD
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DwT3Hqefg
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWfZuYLXIs
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED9lqaZ5TT
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.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx0BK9nxg6
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI8dSfDoK2
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXntL4LI6AT
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9chJz8t6zd
No. She couldn't see me here. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQOOvm3MmV
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8Lc8K2iQJ
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX35lq0GVVD
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8WeMvSGYZ
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WRVFBJpSI
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNMWefh1Wg
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e5TbbZNtn
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwUNHLcPHK
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwgzQwXepV
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmHfNoDquZ
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU382eZAMb6
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7tuwYVieX
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOUs9j5RmS
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxyzMVq7Su
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStGrtjqFyP
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKTKDPQo5X
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrwa0Co0lQ
321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LlCSktHsi
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. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqed0rSS69b
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.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP6qiEnJui
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGZmgrrihW
It would be how it was.
