249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fK0nsFrp2
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC33AtX1nfe
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYiKzukdlO
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK6NHZzqtt
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9yc5XYfSG
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZYrBRXKwA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWOkTPclsF
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECPxB20wWm
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup5Y4mVVDY
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0sdqx8Bsr
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdEWYLX4I8
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK7U3YnDHS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jnw0GLo6T
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM80oux9ng
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8Co9sbsPv
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY0OOR8dw6
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiafxssqa6r
Would she like it? Should I make more? 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIKyqfRfvN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jdmI75xNJ
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXi15fo0hJ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDshok0rMj6
One would do then. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSudpvouvR
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqyEWPBS7C
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62wkBPTyzI
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CAueW4AHz
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUIwAhVCMU
"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?" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69K4LUZwcb
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYfjOPU01a
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZN1FUgVPS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT6njm1SiC
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGjslH4lJs
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPeuhSPflC
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAaGHJ2Ae0
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLGEoaEp5K
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrRIN0eUz0
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBfXNsQStr
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VI11baRjR
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40ULGR2yGl
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzvNKXLUne
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2vBKGqEbJ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIuiMvmwQ0
"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?" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAMI3RVlip
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbeYzzlMMt
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEtuyRrMjP
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JOKTjaQzI
"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!" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUPjceoXcX
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1XYUmyR7R
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1VGc7Modq
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6MNvljUDA
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UFEynvQXY
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgIauQOERs
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIuUsFvsvg
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDznuNFj9pw
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHyRyATrhZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN91e39GQbR
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P3FOKU9k3
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45PZ7jDAux
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KGMNBx9pl
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEkxFj5dGC
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5rxlrcfBs
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWQgBiZS4a
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE2SJh2Qrk
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhza0N668MK
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFyPhq8IcL
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsvNsW6WAB
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuUNsUWRAO
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhThWDDFqIz
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? 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYWL8aFAKr
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c5uleSam9
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AX6RD10sH
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVIr7zIkuX
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JBUdJSn1N
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL63D3hIbMC
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4mtAlU0Cm
A stretch, but a believable one. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4DxymMApV
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LFD7qqqfK
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkorOeRGEC
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YZWsFhaii
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9klzGUqFzw
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaECmxWPBN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgVqZfWBqM
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQJfzsTIoe
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyPBhUUYk7
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGtjmC63jU
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtjABfnEb5
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsCneHFyay
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4jfkNPgEe
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVMWWt0RQu
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FR0kFh5tf
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CGLDcmdrp
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FOF638pKK
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T2yIwgxhi
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsqOKTFEgJ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA6ioZvi6o
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufHyZhtWnj
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcj4M1ae56
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL11iCzgF0V
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73pnFvBFiZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkZxP7D2KS
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE26qadJAXL
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf7Lez2p57
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycv4ynEKrB
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL5CAkKvZV
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCT867bEQW
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpm6IeWmUT
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGBYG6IvVM
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQvuxyhLBp
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H54v8WyP3
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV84PDJdOuU
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNWz3T12k0
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh13UqvHV9S
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oVTaFeit3
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdvSBYazR4
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpajyfOGM7U
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQdUrO4r7K
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOgx7xhtTl
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZctuWWhQF
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTLj5uN3Ep
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfG7303VuK
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKIZbyiIy1
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnrJhkl7X4
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMhmh5WVnV
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilhal2YIrW
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEUAa1Yqbm
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONt7JfxJCJ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9GKiNlorz
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeBU845JdH
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEbx3vwhRT
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2Daczg20W
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2WAFW1RsF
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5dV4WOU4Y
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sfIc9pwyC
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V2pfbwcVd
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIRQQmZIyi
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdsCdg0lA0
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz8RORsMmJ
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiS1ZnPUJF
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIBMYRCicS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvddUlOAFIg
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVqw8TQgks
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgRrOeQScj
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADDsdsE4pb
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoPglCTEcJ
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARcLxytCw0
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQeo4V7KXS
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYBN3WSU3Y
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOteaEwzxw
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKchI3bCicn
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOGH6HJRjd
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxNIOUp1YC
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpvh4FvWbV
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp8fVgzWW6
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3FwYBpaZ9
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g18SXxUqp
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0636pflpJ
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3mEa1ynfR
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6PhGfV0ol
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgNm03eoQA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf68EuMdlEy
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLIURKgwGh
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNAsV3hrsc
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCceldytOX6
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEmChCNhcB
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKVNUoCDRT
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrkAtO2Xl1
Was it that time already?249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfMyWMuiDW
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOfnSrvTff
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2xUwZd0pw
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jMrNjb4Ng
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qFJpbWYgB
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHrTx94LX3
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqsPoHY1Jm
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYL3Sxj3Hi
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRrC474X7s
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Elw9cLAn
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZiVq45MdL
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPrh4Cehf1
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLJOzOOjPN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl4RVWCi6s
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu9rKBNk0R
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN4mOQErbx
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hwwxJav1K
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOABcNhBZw
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRpyOKICx3
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFg5sENxdw
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJWSthIJAv
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqeeZPpXuY
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hgqVDXy5c
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh8qC2iYki
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f8PBsVOzG
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4katdVYHWj
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsTF57ggxG
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOarkFulcX
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrxTHRhApe
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7BCIgUReg
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kYUjygn6Q
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENAjW9xmru
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte1K6crKep
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMKm48qHsr
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC2rbVYClA
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYRiECUT2I
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuQex7LMPN
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoONKHZvqf5
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrwkMIEp5a
"Soup?" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMaQF4Nx4J
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvUR4zQ2uV
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXeHePY3rg
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSep8roiTH
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kx57Ioksa
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SJJtYoQxD
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpzHZld5Kk
I wasn't still human, was I? 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp1VutULBq
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvfIIXW2d0
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlTpdtUFx7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvyxWr5eXa
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aoifhbhRh
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMRXKlIJIu
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOhQ2SBFsZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAdXwKFEUV
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicDc4vJVgp
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0drVFQJmu
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydAfULi2SA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvvyVRhwhM
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnTdtEttyl
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv6S6Kna2V
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUHaOOV6s5
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e8jypROLM
"Did you...?" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOhxsmQ6M0
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABUUpKMoBc
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMpr96nOtb
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOjP9FSie5
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGXCAlQMZ9
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr4SiQnPY1
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM5BYH4FNt
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCyM4Vpjs6
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7SJJ2N5Un
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai9oR24QEw
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoeQwbBrNI
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7kfutMglJ
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AYh1qHpPy
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAsZy0Dmki
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUvdGOy52W
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToiuZWLItN
No. She couldn't see me here. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf10aHLz8Xd
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTKTePpbm9
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodp91AE4df
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraFjb6LhKC
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiPqRfpAe7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16Ke3g1Axc
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRX46jivPj
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE6Rkz7xSz
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndoVCZLWG8
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL5malzQ4L
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZHs6EtyOG
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLodfyEkvc
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaIwUzt0yY
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1XNkUek2W
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TPkyquzv3
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOckk8Zgc2
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWt1eBHaa0
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnv3XKmewk
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. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRrtlf1B70
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwxNEd9XJt
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaUmZwtTAa
It would be how it was.
