248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHboXIqZjz
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuaNe9vKzJ
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0BeGZHB6V
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn60KKoN4f
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu94ls0GYv
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG5u27qrRB
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xe76G6Chb
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ldMaKqmcG
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY5H6Hu9Gl
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrEa8bzgxA
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaYuUzQzxl
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm24l8Lkume
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQFYHDjcbk
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk38adRzHDW
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YBJH0xLvw
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu1ffm4mSr
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpCJJn0Ibk
Would she like it? Should I make more? 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb4rD8eea4
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvzalwSqg9
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1BcUSkVGR
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSoD4HdX6y
One would do then. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLz2Kd1ucb
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vSLuVk1Zv
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR48eYXjBm
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHUwsn4UH9
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyoudxK4WM
"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?" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTG0wYnO7i
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIEVGBvvqd
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfojQK3EkzM
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmey5B3s5oz
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXzwVCXTsV
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtwtgtZchY
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU2sKZGVuU
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQDUpCHVIp
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOQN7R5zaQ
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp8F2LyacD
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EfkCwHbfy
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHHodfQvQG
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVUQrMXX8S
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT1bCrMzXZ
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oE2ETUm7Z
"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?" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QhGrg8Oc6
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RRAOUBVQK
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO945DPW42
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRWhgTvVGt
"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!" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZojdsyX3A
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJEesRDTW6
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHP7TRtlh8
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn2CyHhZHo
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UpzEusvC2
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAORQ2RZuku
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOcUjh5ete
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuHY5N9Z6E
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGh44LriDc
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi8AFiTkGD
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2w77btv0l
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurFWTWhhoC
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC77jhmPGrS
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0DQy07RS9
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZKGtGcZuA
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHG4BtFwd2
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZY9XalJn2
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5iqUcK5LW
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhSxAnS6ol
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBgLXzYpIm
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsuA9LgMlT
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VMb4qia2A
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? 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPr1nge2Zk
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGkEyIJLYY
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XJzxDhLRU
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tAj6Rnoy7
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfiXHbeCuY
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2NUe8Ic4N
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnku1gDDWkI
A stretch, but a believable one. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfiyJLuKZn
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMI1BjDAdY
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1qjt8dhSn
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZuQBIritT
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPALkNPBbKg
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68caQYnR6m
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyun20Nfj8l
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSJS2yPaeg
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W70nwI7oT
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHq8sPxSpA
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM8eHpuAsL
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDExl5CaTmh
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hiljuZ5I0
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUMcX6TY0h
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40cSPPK9c4
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9uab2V9Cu
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENSs4GhV7O
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPaR2CUuo2
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUnisimHDc
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3jqcDP42P
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRhrDlzvAc
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2x0HvzCIw
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV0OsoelBt
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.
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvENrUn8EcG
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcESTCcjOWl
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEuFZXtM69
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemxiFTQU7y
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc7zhF7BjH
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvndAQ5A7z
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumfVySAI6u
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu72Nrqgnj
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgfUC8IWDR
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN7edxt0To
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQE2QizF6p
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4tDdFLwQk
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP60Avss1J
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe3BQwDHSx
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFTw2fYYIT
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwSQoXHEGt
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCP84LimI2
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHOPkWWTqP
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywa4KBRv95
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuSN5tHTZo
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUxvO6RqAo
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40iwBPhuhM
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYg9yWoTfH
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3QkbhluWg
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79xAmOnYUE
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0okb0ti1yh
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcvO3sj4Qj
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVYOqGXZti
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69BaH6y6Eq
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa58uqdPrpX
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k6WHKxEYH
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPnAQZ9QE1
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XVxt2QivE
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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNASqwRgka
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa9GerjElW
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczrx3rnPZ5
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeqFRuol6V
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpLl0B1Jzw
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78bcUQfFnO
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkugztVAzn
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YzjHC40Qt
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tKUcVGNMI
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7eDPCbhUS
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmUKrpqr1B
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH9pZXng1V
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYRoWtyWL6
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvbQU7milq
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdbtErU3hH
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoHWDarTLs
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NyhGf370t
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JfPN1kVDD
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUwEQYBUaI
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSfIiZ5VJe
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJYbCyqB8E
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0fCVg19iV
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub3Ne97ySX
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8X3wb8dBv
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDJUS4Wbgt
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J60y6H0oA
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lP1sHvNyJ
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFj0xFzBpw
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RUpR4QGfj
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiJyB5dNoZ
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm01qdfTksJ
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RmSK3X8YG
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pJ9F4XU5s
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQFHb9NXQL
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7Rjz3foup
Was it that time already?248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wW1CWvg0i
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfujsfCTDa
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMLIwy3wV8
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZGztcxrDo
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GsWtVjhx6
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH9h7JzpCG
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej4ZEOJRAR
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs8ODmaDrc
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbnXsLQEQ9
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dZpJKyr4C
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06KBedfn6y
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs2TEXIlmz
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ6LDBk2wx
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ518BBGPD6y
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp5zc84cci
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzWQiISaw2
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzV1gO5LRO
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm88WaatKZ
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZXlTlwO1V
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGhhlcAleS
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qCBiiDjDh
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1aGY1dG3s
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8Fr9XVsst
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLFkWuwLUQ
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xXjXxNAbG
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QBfgEvW2Y
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrVKVBiJLI
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wRrj1bTk9
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pz3X01TdW
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYePLfLubR
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMteMzuiZN
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SCRtdP2o1
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyIy885vWV
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDhMaSDXJV
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Sr5dq7Ds8
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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoxYHOucI7
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61jPwduGhN
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM79zCnU5D
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uPBX6EIXw
"Soup?" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOIOOXJT2R
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4BMs2fiiJ
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFtxy5r6Ge
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6zpN2nPRZ
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xgm28MZ6p
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZLsHhFCwt
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA8cauCI4F
I wasn't still human, was I? 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3Ec44kJpw
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43DsVmulK4
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMWRpNvzgq
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64MMA4eXpG
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ85lJQoHji
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShuH1r45Kp
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e67ohj9sH
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkQy4vPGtu
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsWJh59MuT
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjnCer9bbq
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5Q878nCBV
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjDwMMT58R
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCm30zsvpx
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzYE8k9Iuc
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmTloeHgts
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZB6BTrj80
"Did you...?" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSifrSr3Gl
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoUJy0V0fd
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitU7vXUaBX
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RtstHx2lz
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg95uc52qv
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIR8jQLzhR
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZv8C4iV69
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS91Q9PTGX0
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLPt0bCjLo
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcOZ0fSCtA
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHWy2CYUGU
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm0pANBWdY
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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3Ai25Pg34
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatkOU3LStR
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteVRy0fkEm
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3w89p1pmt
No. She couldn't see me here. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYTKbwKdSX
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagkn2Wv9r1
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr91Ew9mD2D
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESR8bBJ0fD
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L7jJIX5yH
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bhKzwXPH7
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1ioEv4ctO
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMYz6D45kz
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eJE6XMglz
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwLscSxPRW
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16mRdZlBim
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmgiZmgmu7
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfl5wXMbDN
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZmxFpjlQ6
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LIbtHMfJ1
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1rUTQ911n
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT32NIcodTw
248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV7c0ltejb
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. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauXEaUyrsm
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.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUc51agN3V
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhbHJnqDh4
It would be how it was.
