258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFl1uGkk98
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYxGD1GpPm
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgxW4TTM5E
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmdV7PXDHd
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCGirHMb51
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsIK1aq3P3
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabhb54JJvp
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHpUWvZfN3
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TC2owg08K
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgxCSbnrad
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86FgrKQ77f
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e6lYlNQSe
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi1H7uN91V
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoLu8yO0xL
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy9Llx86Gp
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq2XmonlZx
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvbO6cEoJY
Would she like it? Should I make more? 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSzop7y3KW
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NF46IV82D
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc2pX6h1L8
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qkJqAil8h
One would do then. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIq9gvpYV8
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJbgENHBjB
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ668uU66TrF
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWld4gXVbF
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DJTOFuN9Z
"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?" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZxgyBpPXV
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkhHcdot0P
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbL6IaIZ0N
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4noRlpqHh
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlhBGmAK74
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZrHehuvfE
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmZX996xOT
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjQzTt8Knb
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYwrSHL986
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpbEy82Lbx
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwb4nkgk7Q
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXHxtVANnD
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ2CfFMPzU
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbiBMpPJjh
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgMNhS4pxw
"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?" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxfjsNodZ2
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNtqu6RLkt
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFGmWQ48Fk
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2J1Bt8oHP
"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!" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKnBjmkcbT
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzm8Z0lo1n
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw0DdoMgF9
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqN5iTPmGF
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgPiaXjhXN
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBOfieGmED
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYdEGHvlh3
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNvk1Mbb4u
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXfee7JWcI
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQdvFOmhiW
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq91lG5fC0
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kUtWGupjF
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0GLYOO1Un
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfQ81RxCD3
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezRWYMocq7
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewamceXgTa
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx9jrwL0TH
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIomNMYAR3
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2ZLQl25xl
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUh8d7SpqA
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PhCQfnYgr
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v53pMXiuQ
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? 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSF02LVbwV
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fmEaZznKI
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgKK2Voayl
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqvXh5UMK1
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScVHRHXAak
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkrBJZxM2K
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxWkAdPpU3
A stretch, but a believable one. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bDwiYoPzq
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliiFd01NqA
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWp6YjF2NV
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEEzl1plMD
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCGmpMqLl7
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXVGsHzW3z
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NbF1ZEIPH
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uIr1bFBsX
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITI9uxVdeN
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEivaX35kg
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtCckwvjsJ
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWVCISuzMo
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLTvdNUAkY
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tas3KaXVY
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmfVtFcqCb
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaniHQYPz0
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcvZ2k6E8E
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaHYjpqawf
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw49XZV3aiR
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3vAyTRGtq
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQHhGwlAq5
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUOsgqZg9o
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2EIHreTy5
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.
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC6Nf3NFF5
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjIuLJShZV
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBcJQ8INXz
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9V8BzvbBF
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4hwJfoTZC
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP5hyCC9Tx
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXRkmdmZHL
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00grlRC90x
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzpoL9q0MV
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWOQbJ0WAX
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa2EB95D5a
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42lRaZ9Zvz
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23ANlCO3DO
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLxgJ8O3Dq
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMQoTB5AMD
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYih42N3kX
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxOx7NqCG5
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnu7yuKT4D
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf19N5mCwKk
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBo72fxiOa
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3QiD8uiw8
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKuRjW7NRD
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasgcnaJd5v
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxba57ssPH
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSzFMhlV5I
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz1w7kR9JP
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe3mboggqS
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDyp9o4Xwf
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16dA09R9hJ
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtlJgdXEVg
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHPVDkPKr2
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyaxmeR1wZ
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXpmmvhRoA
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.258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamx6sKJNXD
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT1JWrWxxI
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEuBhZs2WL
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4covrLZoW
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfkN3GCvrE
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzoOrwyQaC
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaNNzL7DhW
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS0xOVGgbq
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J4aLVw01s
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC8HpKiiao
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKjkCQPkz5
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxhRv2kwK9
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABf2gy3CVQ
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1ARf2qcGj
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPST0w0cnL
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0rqEJMDsx
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYENfqhfNfx
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbCJ0dYjnD
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotdpWxYfrO
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgyQioPdlp
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXV40VMSvB
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHd0n2JSLP
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOyNGRMtVp
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24lMOlwiIG
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdspadUeAe
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbzzoJ6R5j
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzDlsf41HF
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9ZwP41APD
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThIAX51X4H
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSiNmoK11k
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFLvPzLwFR
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpkVJayAuu
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlW0GW5eTL
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpUl4cj5pL
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG4r1bukJj
Was it that time already?258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH2HxZduXH
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PCsZDBn7i
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdbHczNL1a
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ9chwsKbT
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp2BWsqO8K
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6blk3XHeE
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEdyhbtbYh
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiMZTw56tc
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYZ1JJEVvZ
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw7ceNhEid
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPrtGpnUhZ
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1NESTz3EL
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm5DPls0vU
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOwFYGITe2
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fatXAGvCm
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvjVDJLtxS
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM3hQlErfO
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNpakhoWjB
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgMCCtI6E1
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYeMQUWtlP
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcw8ABDUaR5
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xeUOvvkBx
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltjngEsXtl
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgzTURVYBK
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmxhS53a41
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2wjPRH8Qu
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh0TZAHDGl
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbO2ifiowx
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh7c1l8QW3
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrG2Ok4nqC
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoPaI1SB9v
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabdpCMiDR3
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbesxoGThhW
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCYpJXc6GV
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0gzQMHhsW
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.258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7gvVvfWSU
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXkWFve4G7
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWHs3M3IIL
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBH1Gy8IzE
"Soup?" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JuD1HhdBF
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvRwv7RzlA
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5VxIBYxhE
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRsBt7Z0R4
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j9pi15q9B
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fzlxAyA87
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaIQvcaWFc
I wasn't still human, was I? 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYN2ybrfZc
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNOme7fBlL
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W4nkmaZ6p
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZu623qMcT
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe3Y8Sbhhe
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIUe63WKA5
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF3ViGjMuF
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpwYFWkEP9
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgKhNViAlc
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqNdiwmgRB
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP28CwiX9Jd
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI1iISUyUb
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKfQ23uClw
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIyyzPRyDq
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx61hU1BSi
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbdzNfx7Yu
"Did you...?" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcCv0H3Klx
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmExl9YdiYd
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmV4KI62D9
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM1QThEZQc
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8tL6yaexE
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7Afv08Fxp
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx1etITGGk
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuG6Ih3OXG
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hhh2fKFvk
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMUEKWQuzb
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEeUKiHvsj
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8KaoukBmv
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.258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ342eVxvT44
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7qdSHE8V7
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4TE6qrh68
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBkkvgBgqd
No. She couldn't see me here. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNfTKeEOYb
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX48srcXogQ
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZsIzOitNg
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanKxPN0lL2
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv4c1PPpsN
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1esIdU0DJP
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwThmzLYGcF
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwHlGLp6OL
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnhkueh7JP
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWUqSf3pSO
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgO9jdUKhV
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxklnq7Wdl
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs4FWKmMOZ
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN41cDz2rmA
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PK2gv2oIJ
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0Vd91xHpp
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSft1BG83dn
258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7ZGqMVpRv
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. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrIfl6h539
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.258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6F3lIqndt
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 258Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTd4jAG77R
It would be how it was.
