254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO88jf2bJE
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FAmstMQut
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OrLRsf0us
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJjlBVTyEL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu654XjWgZ
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX2MDepuMK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0QxwVY3qM
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXHenKstc6
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpRhGI2rFl
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmOLRoak5O
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7T9YuWDmf
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP2NGxqunS
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBbpRkPaFf
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWNVDtCRWT
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK0IG7nhgh
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQUcpZOoZu
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0HFhga0Tx
Would she like it? Should I make more? 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUj3A2OprP
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5RoMT9g3k
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuetP2a1ou
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakkl4u7KOk
One would do then. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wzmk5Z78P
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejJCVe26us
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10NNqN00tl
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl12KOcB06
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB66cGCXKCu
"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?" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X6OJxvXAQ
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aMqHBbTLj
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ue3U8GEux
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRsYxaqa2e
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvwdcxepky
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGraFQ1ifl
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQQnjzDMWL
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHeFODdC1I
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5s0NtEDiO
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3TJ7XuD8w
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG16cRb0hmg
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpX1785mKO
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOvhO8uivj
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNWeb5MoIG
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliKrnapZ10
"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?" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhGk2gK9Oh
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHH1zxqWDf
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE5IwhYWeL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGsyxQ6KN7
"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!" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYgsSZAcfN
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1705OUQMeA
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kXHhDUHg1
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX47h8doFG
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPA4laGstQ
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg5XcWZoPi
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS23oRiwTl
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUQvjYP4xz
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqidicBiapM
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dOOngNFk8
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGBSTQOKLK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeh5kE4FLQ
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArj88nvQFf
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn8qaK6agy
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja1ffQde5t
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPIZY0zjgj
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SBeqsdHYK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K2YYgpAx2
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaPNHiyKsx
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPfMnyKcKK
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRWmlXlN8o
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADQZGeanie
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? 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0zFcjAgkx
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2rovMYbG1
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa6voMqqoZ
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2hdrQXLKP
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIG3C87liw
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfunl2ypay
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkJY3l374C
A stretch, but a believable one. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPey0dmecTK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R7VQbfffs
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJWByCOSxw
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9gfYQTfsk
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZdn2DmADV
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSBA2O2hD5
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBcz9EOFb3
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqMiN8ouwW
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxVAZa2WSb
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb8fFUaBaq
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRKks6vEeM
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zgF1nzuEy
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66ov6KMtkH
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglFT8YTyld
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGru1CjzfB
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFO1GvirM0
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX9LXbGiJU
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdPDJCFgjE
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTbJnKYXro
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEBdDvZbGR
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRf3T7UKDz
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk780FUPVYL
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2epWPCgBj
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.
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcOUDjBVqD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCagKgvjPy
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ6pkrx0CR
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZLETeJIyR
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gRqRyt8OB
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UNzKjdZJB
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDQsVCpQgE
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbW2RlOhtQ
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmErnOFkm56
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G2mLZYBBO
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6D9C7szG3
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi55UFsjh2E
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCm7PhaV2i
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U4no2RAYR
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fceH1ww53
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuU5ZzkCUp
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hLrP46LJ0
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCiYV6gF8o
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VLCQtiEcK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AT5mq03Y0
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo5mrwURuw
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqg69Y0kiP
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElGGsNHSUW
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jwx8FbHys
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrggmh9XdX7
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSzRXJ1nfb
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSxcJ3C83o
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvcQ0LEmA7
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBskLAFOE8
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QQPlD2ZfO
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOysFbMyXt
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnoe2u7X6z
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiLZPqL36T
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8jzHrOVWh
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAi50pVtfg
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp2IXTGcRq
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6RiafmqVY
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jnJNnzPaE
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixtBCgPeY7
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ0CqWj0Zz
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBreGHYvm4
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWGzVYmz7p
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulnUx2Cvlq
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5CRtT7CYb
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI5ciuZHfP
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFEP3QH8g9
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvadueYN1V
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJe36joYRv
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAvKgIALWn
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyf6X6MMYA
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec56nmdZ5V
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcqXdYFANX
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazntk2yxsb
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxJKr6Ocir
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAdZdAvHsT
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvqDwSbpCo
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OU7bV9hUI
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU0OGyFE80
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRUO2LfZjl
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp99HqESSO
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiG2TPMlpl
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDU9qO4fAg
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2l6aC52cj
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzsTYqLFFP
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2sZmPlAuD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aLVdUxR8G
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGmvk8MyOH
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmualxRA20c
Was it that time already?254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONXHXEocwv
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8wYI6HDiL
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqchXozOF6F
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvltvm3ws9
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl3uShWBvm
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOivAV6DKc
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXRfImIwWt
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAhXVoUuXZ
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZvxMj80WS
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUpkgixxGG
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB7Gu9hW9k
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDJrqUm8ZP
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcjsG6ie0h
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohN3UqrTGS
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGB8qwC2mH
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHgVSFKCyb
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApdnRzxycw
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgMUryc6vX
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkUVXG8HAW
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFc5nHUOIq
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNIIy1G0tu
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxNhb6EyuQ
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ16Nm3QovT
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7eXI0Js4R
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSi3NS6w3a
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvmCdb0Ave
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6Ax8N7mz6
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwGZkaVDU8
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZWjp4E6vr
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP6cqAPL4Z
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzCZkMivf8
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPau7wVzgbz
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8Bdsl721R
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuc6HnkNNo
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfhWcWnqTa
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3Q5AM4VqQ
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpoP3zbMuo
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeDZjAajmd
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGKuaHqP1C
"Soup?" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdluAz4iMjd
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkFv49mVZO
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQBZxYlH2e
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZbSPCEfCh
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4qKlTsRNU
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcHNWzuIdl
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4qvyKnkWw
I wasn't still human, was I? 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrOoCGa8kv
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOsjhqdARC
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkQyJu3JaK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E2TvbI6U7
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIoZBZ5Yy2
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw621bFgU6
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy0z8sbl9E
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQyB2K5Sla
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qUiSm3DZ0
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfPAuh6ySo
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KUIfa93IJ
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka8dELvYNz
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiJfz5BVHX
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp8BdrSRpt
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9GzcIHv4G
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1Ifd39O72
"Did you...?" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhtWkKyidU
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSITZqLvLD
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUHUh30Z6o
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbp1oMpT1n
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgm43mfxVD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHGaShFWKI
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBaHVHPass
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUFZpBDXKv
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaAgRzrRJw
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8UHmCNRXA
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPROV9fldK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NsqesNHNf
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ung6kyVF
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDmpxo8WKk
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA32mFwguib
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u4m0Ga4yZ
No. She couldn't see me here. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoIn93uds9
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni0wEAFiYO
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBDie2HSP6
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmLSxVs3yV
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQuilCb4x5
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwMd7B1VKP
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32e2EyNIxx
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVbS9SDHw6
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoV9yHYNs5
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstOt0NpTcs
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXqyEN1A2O
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzatmGbmacP
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lrC3Icj42
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGz0CiJKdl
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARnbLKNJjL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBMkpgPkRq
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe2ciDKCqb
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRDsaS0MJp
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. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZLmotCdsZ
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VDCksLr8E
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKb1MAyzoI
It would be how it was.
