223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4UgJMaABg
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uLJZCyQsg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG3fna3p34
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh1MbyJsiO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9vTV4OT19
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRup0tBshO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu6QbYxFrj
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmY9v8bjKu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIiJudGkl3
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSPKaCOKO1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy85xZh8154
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSMIO7Sfap
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKG6fez59f
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDxgcWCdX6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QpInOSSkj
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4Pqq6Ifnb
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG9ajq4KlG
Would she like it? Should I make more? 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdWFydG02d
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnlDsnczoM
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsb5RaULJS
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcNdG7H9qy
One would do then. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Oz9dLOrEy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjhVQJNuvC
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1fAYazSw1
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacPVXrcPfg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUXPpXSUgR
"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?" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYiRLvxuMs
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r7HfHIp33
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhz8W6ml0F
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPSlrfQUjB
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ccJWeFKEN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qj1xEbpL1
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9zLhLngfw
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6IYgdQNIE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GZgI89QW0
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVjUsnPle7
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BuzOzb6rL
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3Qsy4Tett
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNAaYgRubA
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr0pcbq3R1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8PeqzrU8r
"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?" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0lrelVAIe
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYTfmKHNRW
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNS3k9wNey
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfFxsjOCst
"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!" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn6gJKNOZk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuVvR7cpmr
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2ugBb0nek
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V9J5iT02g
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo0cWhO2B6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlUQhNxaKu
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVEtxz63O1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrpxgNUtjv
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwGQZXaKDt
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbN2XBFL4G
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC0Z4xD36U
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGIM778L3G
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvzGuTEzQT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2JCa6aVgo
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2ThMbQoiK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzx9ofG9OT
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIqfPhDG6z
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWuNnGBfh6
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96KYeenuQ2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir3nfMYZxW
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWrDPnIKr8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcHXq9sXLJ
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? 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI1No5tdmz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqvvzI8jW1
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhw5JWoSrj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH0ooZXk5m
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTHFQHqKiD
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni89xaITEh
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIq3x1BQXq
A stretch, but a believable one. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhHrD3glL1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqugjt8i2ge
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp4ps3bv91
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsnObcWZke
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXRLknWc2R
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPZRZvMDY1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV88a0HiEL
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUBHat5eak
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DBYG1FXXP
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ghnivmCQX
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBIbKgjRaw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCtiR8N4ie
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8ghBjruwq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyheJxSXlf
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9yz8OU91Q
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRoaPuDCBq
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzuvdqjYr3
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2phlaF0wEm
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY8TpJRPct
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvvhoPEJ6l
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbCNdAnELG
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3oOjFNXKC
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlWNIfycbE
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.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Q9CmLAHG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwVzEusLP6
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHrNA5hzk5
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp1k8tn517
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3SovMnLbL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEpSuBgMSj
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxgUzMiAdW
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekt8RDL84Q
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmSPbTrakK
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L0KWS51lw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOywynGCTbA
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a0bzS6bPq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2xjZZXFVK
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBRdevIHU8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaZFjgyQYM
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl5hpW95op
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsS2DWWeIg7
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ9kchbpqq
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxP6fnz7wJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66yMfkCvUq
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgwqanBSkV
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7yGuAFzCk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w5XVdEQ9c
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTWaVlkjwU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iKpvSbykf
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wAOfwt70x
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LZ0FcgG5e
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjZcdMygdK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0Ozo1ozAY
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYbxPoXyI2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQO2oBnPHc
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9pyNBeQKp
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CNdCIFtE5
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcc8pDzLeA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYVrCP4ATQ
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdiHJvHurn
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUeh0Rwod2
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdFB6YbNLT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNT8HVXQ1L
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVRh4fW2Kg
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ50kqhptu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgLC4wPNtW
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLv1ez0cNA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7j5GeyHDx
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TaivcjOD6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1SM6HIYKs
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV2hW6bkcC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmHtOzfaAb
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyoWMljNBK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtQ9EPJ3Sr
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnvw7qjKFV
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNV66TdiebO
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpGOsgrCd9
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMrtbx9iRk
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4k4fbZSxX
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA9OaGOE75
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ItDUBPYhJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcqoAhZcQm
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXs5v2yjEY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL9xtAZE5Z
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo81zOxlt8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsU2IslSAs
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwu1QcEIZJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOUYaAa0oI
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1yc0DkhXO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3bgfk0rNU
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1z4Y6uDiY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVkXTQNmRK
Was it that time already?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPflNmc5ayC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfSlCGTgeR
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsNs0zUfjT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCfUYEXl4g
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5gWCTv2BM
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yIQRh0P8Q
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDmlndAg8i
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbukhaVzSxK
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6o3jj5PgL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5wSe8EIDM
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtrLkBrCeU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hd1XniJLk
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgXXqOw15z
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGmsHo2ZO9
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0XmmAQhi5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENUKbUa64u
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7igAg4JOr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBc7Z4E1ys
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZFJb4nlGJ
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOJ7MlkMMd
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64xdafxWhd
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDgNq4F2Jx
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYeWWoeH2Z
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXKkN2f0v4
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTSnhSQqet
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWNNAnRW2g
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDySGoBeIm
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN8vYbXXz3
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6AGJO020m
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL54jb3HbAz
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfVlpTk6dK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlPZwDETId
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxC2f2q8YX
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FzJA4lUeb
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWXxndAK80
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3zV64yPw3
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlwZRwW9Uw
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnQ1N5v35g
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByFTlxiE83
"Soup?" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2cD2Jo7Tm
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprl4UZVGAU
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdT6zDtQeE
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4Wycog7He
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DXkqqS8pT
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMIUk202OS
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9kb0oMl9G
I wasn't still human, was I? 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDGwukozLf
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl5OTj8urn
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm7pqsgaPD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20b8z8n5iq
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3FsTepXgL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIAjYNsvcV
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6NwOff2GY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAg4YpUtV1
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpXw8PgtBe
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIKsGKj4uF
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGVvLbxnbX
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJebUmeGFHt
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K9kBwFWih
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxxqi0TQ12
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIwVySHuol
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kEaR6TD6F
"Did you...?" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0oR3M0Ocg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmw9O5DgK7
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0k7BPNe07
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aHOuoLqm9
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVjZ3NrXjK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMtzSvr8Tn
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMHGqODdiB
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaucBEaWPqD
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzDqoMRg8y
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjvdqLbqRg
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEj89uIevo
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NWFoiQIfI
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxC836CmQQ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4NAVzi2mV
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdYjF4oVLa
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jXYr7NPIX
No. She couldn't see me here. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ01Dwk6cJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMgUQASfim
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gdIta3nPX
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1JtTc6100
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V7p9C1jJg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSDapJxrBZ
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkDCWcIEiy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbkHUsWzUe
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QduRViV3b
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUJCn2DXWN
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR1YdDhSje
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nyICkNv0u
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgKvujeegl
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk5Sz9qhoo
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr5eaOlwZg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswGQtRePLe
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAP58wb1Iv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRHShxGNh0
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. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe0YDQy9EX
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNCS9MeVD1
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvQj4ijMTJ
It would be how it was.
