337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5psXDUVnkj
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHon9IciYPP
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HchCEqvU5
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQtK3lkSRL
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRENbrPXslf
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYl9yW3PdG
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCGBaRamA4
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFiaeT3NzZ
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO97q7thJ7
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHfalO78Rr
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2ubj0Gy96
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLHpugDEPy
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp1e4zRNcD
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3gDU9vsmZ
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ765YAaehAj
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0ec4wZnzb
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp9zI3tyfD
Would she like it? Should I make more? 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOdkF01Pds
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCxoXQvlwT
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7ayFrmAh9
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTj9SrurWB
One would do then. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnCRf80QUn
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9dUzoCaBb
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLZIrtgKmK
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJPp0kClNW
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYIHNAOanL
"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?" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeG3wuXHnW
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qE9bwzz9J
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV8btrxqLt
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5oyf3u67m
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr67vIrzNv
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IsGJPMzRe
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPBrs7FslO
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEpZq8mFmT
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8cvyWJCyq
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7INLvLhIn
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL68o86OAW
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqg31NNmQg
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6H9OyY6Ml
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV95B8lCNW
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0Y3DiphKq
"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?" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6h5rEPVBe
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2RyaYboW5
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvml0M3fX5u
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9waVeI1FY
"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!" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvIVNm9Y5m
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb9ypgGGrC
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QARn2yLm1
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZtxO4AMrw
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QrZ84JII8
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCWzYZMn3r
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTsGPx3lNK
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjTh9RPbH6
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMQctVQDtC
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0SppVHn1K
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER7QpR3mgR
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86fWuQdLe2
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz5cAa6btW
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwVmot9yE6
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvkNWEDnRX
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DqlZgnJDi
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2L6WR6Fos
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu76PouanE3
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdS7K6roOd
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqD8x0wqq5
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDMxUe2jbS
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL9TyWq89S
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? 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJCzoHsg7w
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOIDOjwiQp
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iWqU6I4XL
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4Smwxsy1X
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJncFUIQwqK
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLTnRhsANr
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQU44vTqQd
A stretch, but a believable one. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfacJYZZpwt
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqgnD7ogME
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboUXeyC5zg
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdDn8weiqy
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMXMHHC7XO
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡracDjEowwg
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7rWBwfrNj
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQYYWBaf9e
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4a1BkPjdk
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7qjkWWzQC
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCSn3a1dUG
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrpSAetpuV
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtYJ9vyFkw
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFChZeFrdp2
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuvHYAJKsJ
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTC37yE7HX
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc9911g6mD
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkSz2CFmpb
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEYtZHA7Z1
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZVnJzeLUK
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY8rP6YeXN
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8Y2Gkhbe1
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILf9zyCDDA
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.
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP46DTPz4bR
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28WuQRWvFm
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuLjUluJ2g
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtss6dVXlo7
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2caitw9bKX
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6PUEEzyrO
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6zyG3fuqd
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDUAU2wFWj
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw1iMxIBdY
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHFx4Hn4qi
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj08U7SYT3
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6bJGpRf7F
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcasr6lPrXp
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXTY5aSEx7
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95VA732U9Q
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoNQQYm0ax
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48NaCN2roB
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxle5tsyLTP
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoIpyMgaK2
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hHAqyoDiv
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaseh6VrVW
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9BV8O1zAT
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhpXbYqemB
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZsKnQHP8i
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkvDM63h2j
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5opgdhOmLP
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWH6RF3aHd
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFDmvPSLXC
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI2n7KYONe
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgZBlZRE9j
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAhVcWeaEH
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga7Zm6a2jt
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7ulS7R0K7
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.337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYtQjRl7vR
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMwqEQFwk2
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq4E0RQD6S
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30CjBQ6SQP
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVPrO7qclt
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTfR4vNEwc
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqO0eZtnTd
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz4MFjsF7G
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGkHEHRz2U
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiyZLHAoMt
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSezOy8XcB6
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPlJqHTvzh
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoGzC1NVq7
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk40lOvGk71
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSU3vGuSFh
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS95XvJDGGz
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsMO0Wu15P
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUkO405VrM
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObloKLIczd
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp65eXoqW0l
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPYxOkZfLY
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdDEKHKx4P
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyutBwkUcA
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAfYVqJvNJ
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YnTumImRE
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxVeEwAYRb
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHYtOmgBFq
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZHn4RT40P
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSknyDc0O9u
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVRxaeQod7
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpLfFp95DQ
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMnIu7v21q
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWFjMCl4dY
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5jIwPjDZX
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLjF5VS438
Was it that time already?337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsgBnjid54
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRgHMkrrDf
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7lzSVWBZ8
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR6gy4nzCO
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3NcHsdibU
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aHCZbpydX
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXCSnJp7Ou
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YIsv5XkLC
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGILhJ7VDa
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPWA9eP5ba
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJQz0ESJNO
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3ZCmxRdKu
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WOFdKqmlE
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDx8GWSHLn
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBAf0WfgFq
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2I51lwsrk
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqx3si6Ovq
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ9SzCNHof
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVexrCieJ5
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0iN80WNFM
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VWZ1e3kjv
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6qFbSu1yd
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7bS5fnIWJ
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ubUdB0BJF
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzSDbh6UKF
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy8OfKXm3k
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyifYOS0fL
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllHOIFVTNp
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG8Z15kqIl
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWhXY4FQNU
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsKYWuJ3Ol
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbK2TE7FAG
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTIx6pEvVs
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY50WEmuqti
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl2cl3FCuA
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.337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXXWBFjZPP
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39ZfRPVCrj
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hyAFPG3Li
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDdGr9LZOc
"Soup?" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7d7aqlRpx
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvSAvMrwH9
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUgAjY1l8O
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVh9d1pCyY
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2GyMpeHoU
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6IQaM5qOo
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhJxHkQkco
I wasn't still human, was I? 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uNdFbDuO2
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAo7XfeCbj
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfs3DiTfcH
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72I9mvXzLa
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZD0aoyuVj
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO33hbsv9Zk
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka2q0jRskm
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzyzLtXbjE
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFJVn0tcWC
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo91UOWmjp
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwHOsDpNq6
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppkEZWfL2A
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6FRAC6QbK
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9A4I8f8sUo
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMugJc2muN
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsaUHX80VK
"Did you...?" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjxhTbIgIU
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ2AUxsmpH
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyCqsJfOaM
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwtdq1Tuwb
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0sxox0HBD
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmuSGvIOOS
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1f81I48xU
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn0DhlJRfx
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXwAuRQa7O
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV63yBc72V0
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkFKZ5boX9
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9wCnvBffM
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.337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXrP151zq8
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMshhHDUUH
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujdnSV1d65
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkZ58HIUyj
No. She couldn't see me here. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4SkaljZBW
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94WcP6sNun
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEphxAvIEj
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJam9zXuSNm
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKoCJwhvgv
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGDPPm4hQX
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oE6JuOejj
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yEiwl4gEx
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmcq5jGvwc
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6e8NauWuo
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWm5N2aQy9
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM3fpEfsp9
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ590CwRTxDU
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU665R79pV
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4VQ5UBVJ8
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjI7Rff3TS
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyNMy9SdG2
337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoo1lTRisK
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. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXHqads6kg
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.337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVxQ7ohPe8
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 337Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zF8BdKByp
It would be how it was.
