287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGIQ8fNLI0
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ203QIO72KC
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9jMAxvmcp
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IYO8yta3z
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE9MU2HXSY
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi65hiMoqn
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHtKbtyx7z
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGCYI6qw6I
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6eMPahksW
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwCQGT3tV8
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6GlyqMpdS
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AkCo9FAtY
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatsAXM6xRm
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5UAm01Swq
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqeD608ZEP
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVmtiCdOlD
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDcTcqBAOz
Would she like it? Should I make more? 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPuV3l7Jag
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZgFw5G1nK
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCnwBXqQw6
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHK8rZFxid
One would do then. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67niElU6Dr
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY01SfRDpmk
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMOD2ewnNS
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j2NMf8nXP
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e9XQrY3qw
"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?" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngx8LVHiCo
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt7xkFlzzz
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O7lGuqFXX
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCe6gSzFW3
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Xz9XuQBHF
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4OVfixFam
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM2hjOTzWe
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEqfPgJ63V
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbALWblNyz6
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMrfbFpGHk
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67IgOy02NP
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB5xJPQwM5
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnb2P056mm
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZFXUwfl1e
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17pcXQOkT7
"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?" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaC9rl3ml5
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxNfTJGncj
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75fKQF7V6a
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A6tV6DgRi
"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!" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXebbfVqCQW
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTvCevghai
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWzntAXmE4
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd06Vf20bvX
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDrDPdaLeS
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy67eKBCPw
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I9hwpPo3J
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5zxGofnKQ
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9v5yQnNWS
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKML3YD5gM
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyO5NlVI44
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCEqDMLQ3o
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvAifxu7M7
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO5ggtUcOw
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiD7RzqFxv
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O3poS3k7V
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJFMGvqdso
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaTjWt22jp
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2WwYg1mZT
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD6DrBixRX
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvqZow7WLe
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUQAgfyQnZ
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? 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Nqj1p5gUy
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4AADmdpR1
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETdkQCezCD
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h1pabS67J
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBb7xkegl2
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79ryELbXoq
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ztaCKcMVa
A stretch, but a believable one. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7MMLH0GqK
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUvB6C0a3G
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c4m8449hI
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu20GtXKHI
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxllwyUh6QL
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCCs5b8pmi
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmIHUzsu8L
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOYo8HGXC3
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZwi5Mf0pn
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D6K9OsVsd
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqDNpWNVp9
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLS5Z28daz
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMfsqImgmM
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4OhFlSiZs
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagwurJCqFv
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCsE8cdIIA
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJvB4omwIf
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qJySoM9yA
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiruum6Vnmj
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEXpNMd0Qb
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CJBoBpHHM
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeea7Mv4r1
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHhKSnHaar
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.
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeKTHRTv4r
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0dpxtnet3
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXGfiroBvF
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPIhujJQUA
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBrX1ZADB9
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrerPYjc43P
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjGOR4gKCC
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPwFYuKURJ
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQRwKzVOSv
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMH6nw47Xk
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORE6ULT7nU
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3du4TUIpt
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhBxAsSyH1
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFICFJkvD6i
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXKLcey84v
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflirDFYTvW
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IkVtg2nWt
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIivby5ScT0
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vt9rD5Lsd
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCi3k5gpNg
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYFGSmA9jO
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAmW5TfASJ
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWBZYdL9Ew
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxol8z3zbc
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0JLNUiCsv
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhilcCMSrd
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX2nFHDaCf
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqW9IbRTZG
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5SxDeaKNG
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPNTKmXAbh
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFmzQvY5pI
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnxvdlzyp7
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TBjPHf2Mj
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrolMlf7u7Z
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8y7Nvc3p5
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfBPZVuSbt
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMkRQGQ4mI
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfNR1MaSl6
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnumIYZjGbH
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3WKeBVV9h
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMxNdYsOJw
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshjE5HVoK5
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7L0adSWZu
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXqBktLIYa
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjwLm7Mx7Y
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ518HcHGdDw
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZZYmMORKN
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTFXFFf6Hs
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeFGUoiJGR
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OpVSaHnDB
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvaFVu1D3u
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zWNdqpyta
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIevtR8VQWd
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGAzMFQP9X
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreVfHtMe7T
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeh3DovOxU
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzgmfL6jL7
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhDv0bjZd7
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu0hIHu8Kp
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTXraPfn8d
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpxFqiE0wp
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWbwkckVjq
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXqUURB5I2
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eL1OraMSI
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwrS5m9Zkr
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN5iO0OJP5
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIjzKXKiLQ
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BdbLjzIZO
Was it that time already?287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmF6PMcfDJ
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSnsKgYQia
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GQNe53kjY
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWKH3FowIa
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg8Tl1VNO9
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYlV9w3EWQ
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLwrHoL1E0
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEe1g97fHT
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBaKU6vRuv
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYscqleG4v
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYHXTb59ns
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R8QYFgg4n
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBykOS78bTs
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbObH3vrKuK
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfna8Q0r47
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNaMiT3pPI
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo0nzljkXD
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60Gmwitcrm
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKGUQaoTEU
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsWdL0gojq
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36iq8OW8M0
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47WdBzCw6K
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxpGShKbcr
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk67ebUHd4p
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH1vGR89f7
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKDfew9s2p
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLEP8lJucH
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPSVPvOhZq
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNp50c6PZb
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP75wUg414M
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxURzmRmbJL
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Bqu7o5mdg
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3YWuisFQq
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8S3L8br5g
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTczoq1dje
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOB5y63DEl
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ys2rcVACQ
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQRIia4Jpj
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2fX0LdVe0
"Soup?" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uVovMY0D3
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyGMnLJ2eO
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqkDjUr0HG
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeVMk5PGhl
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj7F5fpKzt
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEQsiKeFTM
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs2HU4FEAg
I wasn't still human, was I? 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPdUXu5gq4
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hVZLpxUgg
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoTAgO5od6
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3vYCbXUJL
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFycjuopjBX
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OmSOCF0vG
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKZ4dn4EoE
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38Hu0CnCCG
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNL8gqFP3x
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk5xk5c5QN
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYcqCgGrrA
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBB8Gjv9d1
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUFhxNxszs
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcGs7LPYV7
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXnlvBMaZO
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmEvUIJL18
"Did you...?" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFZsd3oppz
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzxolLsTpD
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCdM35Q5j5
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRliq4bz6CV
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1P2e1tiwt
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq8CDXnNqV
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGdzN6OLm7
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIaaLYhZ9n
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RzMd5g0mY
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc9ChytcG9
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxSUbWxBf4
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH2YX9KlBF
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxr9456GfK
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh3FGFff5D
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihq7coenwk
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAtSyAWi3N
No. She couldn't see me here. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOk84ujgBb
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF6XTaovZ0
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1nPugvlCq
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlSh3QKFk2
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD21OD1DYu
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNt7DmFQAx
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0dK50DdtD
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj4sLYZCux
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hcvsVnIF5
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfYc9OeZQN
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3dppkh9nq
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOH5VSYJMR
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcYU1BWKyK
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIeQW0mfft
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsszgkcE2x
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedaJxiou4r
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuxnowqYaG
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil69o2Uyk3
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. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2Xi6ybVY9
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli68y0fGsA
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm2gaF00LE
It would be how it was.
