364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXVVLwRh9b
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxoYfFAMI2
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iIlMkbgKU
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJg48jR8Xy
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMIMy3FOFZ
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK1PlJXnDz
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys8YBXSHEZ
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M5eVF7d1C
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5ZGGacwPU
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0tOiJfHCV
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH48cJuN2j2
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A5sr1wCnk
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeKrUdHyzg
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UP5ogNZFK
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FwOkD0XyC
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWpsquT15a
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pkpm4w2tb
Would she like it? Should I make more? 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5b4rrB7hh
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j352AtPyI
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLSWDf2aiS
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7h3YCqK93
One would do then. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa7dIzqgak
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72Vx2MIqVX
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQFtrB8pVt
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvg9s1ij86
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJEghKQDYf
"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?" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX82XWuCxvK
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdgJxru0ei
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugE0WerZ9k
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaN0hraAef
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfjQIpCz1l
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gnyOWMlSA
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmct8xaPA9f
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyX0DiP0Jgx
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa507Fp8x0
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyix3Jw8I7
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuGj7qIXmI
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyr7VbhT3X
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzpgiUTZqs
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94WSqMiwR9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJLaTlFF7m
"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?" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4aBGJKmM4
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CnzH5nw6a
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqClvpbxEEx
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EKpLuOd5n
"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!" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rlrIlPU3M
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzTW6QVMUv
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKliszCDGM
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyk3VM2rTX
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNPtT6YapY
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhLJsZMh2r
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn6KO74mA5
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjn6Qo5VGQ
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFtxS83gyS
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZNoxjiVIe
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDdr0h21cS
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjLwhBMtz4
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFARhORRxg
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96yqcYObih
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhzquH7ZWL
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1fPTsKbRk
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfmgCrFwWT
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOhz2ZklkS
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwZCf0XSrq
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ezcdzu35T
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyUIHQwI7Y
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAVAJ7aBn0
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? 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBmWQT915Z
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpw6pzdEHB
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE7cIxDY8e
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJk61ieus1
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcon9mIpNuG
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzeadXACXw
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErRJIYA9NX
A stretch, but a believable one. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8SEoT5SPr
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8hzctENup
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr1BotJKSA
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfnBz0UBx0
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88DH0Dm2NJ
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0kyMyzVuI
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y5hHwmKiV
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdSahp7brR
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSitLTgrf0t
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSmlaHVG0x
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZiuXbMQhi
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz8RS533eE
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapeq0LrGKe
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24Ie9FlLiA
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncXjdlRZP6
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYtvtltoxu
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdtblk5dqP
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DkOSCIdX2
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKBWeAUPCp
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbTJDtVAFH
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgErqjhho7
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGhHQd7G0P
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0BBwhbm0r
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.
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB3h2r9Ofm
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35KmW7BZec
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAlf9fhDcz
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXRea3UWpk
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn75jBQcGf
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4hwXvOfgY
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtJQIVcj7V
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXYk1HCRyi
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHI0UiQhzu
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapcxtMHKZ8
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YzB6FczMw
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5jtWSWZmK
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNnB9qtJJP
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdXcEoFYQl
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ4j9Fci1X
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN2TcFUDMO
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTH1gR5MMt
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I17b7skJS
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC0aPaDFm9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfj4sCtzWe
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFlE6uKxAj
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1sgKzqo2N
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPfkc8rV5B
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztFcq8rcp2
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgT2U7X48c
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgSvlsg3jJ
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK5WCS7na2
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe08Dvwc811
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfpKzNKZx4
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpbqfA5hBG
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uu7jMT9lU
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwn2Z3t3pK
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJFMDLu9CW
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1zSGsIhdZ
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVhr8LANgq
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BLOu3X41Y
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfgalzY4i8
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhflME81fd
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXofmb7BhU
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstyZyarSFx
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2npUvIce4
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKybNBOm8NC
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8zAIq34yE
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtnBBF05ZI
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmBwzKG8NB
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGkjrVK6hx
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡindd8quuEk
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4sFewY2c6
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhXfQGNUvr
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll0Ot8kgDa
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXldlDHaziw
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxve5TmG5K
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhxB2sl6q9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4gfkO45aT
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOROVooYXB8
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH84Nxc6j78
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbcorqWACL
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z5Txtj2uu
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NhxDs9skC
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1DKtCq36w
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE0YCIH0uL
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FAsDUlxIj
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYhmvMUFJs
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCHtQltfoT
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhNnJoQLO0
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjUh23T1Cy
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJeTXJMlbv
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneTc8Nxzp1
Was it that time already?364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4Np94udGS
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvsuMDgeW8
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoFEJOYWRz
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcaZopOU5G
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kQmpgwCT8
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZllsTYbUL
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r9acgjqeo
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYFHkXmqV5
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs4NgqxZOd
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQzD74Qpba
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bhq7Ym29q
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpETzGi8OMD
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXBdtrO1gX
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc6UMra7wS
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL9btUmS8B
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6bvQTv5CE
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aSNPB0dxw
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUKdOQqpQs
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquptNgUHFZ
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjycH1eGn6
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78627o8w8G
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xxvnBopPv
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSbPI8vdq8
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxJLf7MInY
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2p53Bmjvq
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbPEA8YzmL
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ7oiPLLFR
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5BpiITBQZ
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9qmKWgBfY
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPv1OtnKOn
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidh67np4HN
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIfdbWsBpD
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTurxMNnwI
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlckwNXaO1Z
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkm6kwuwpF
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPX72ITdDf
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpCs9tlBCp
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakr98VHOyo
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrGk8XiSLb
"Soup?" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQYmyTqYb2
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ994UW7ewal
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJIzSuOotg
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lOh6X1xMD
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aHI3Q8jeS
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I064IG6cJ
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr2xxefDch
I wasn't still human, was I? 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohW7ck2JkI
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOsaWYB7ZQ
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1n6KRcpzt
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhE0iam0oa
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEFgFUhwOS
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbHWYqF7Ls
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26gr80ZbQj
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMvqYVXRmc
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLJMpPV7bD
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgVpTdZ5ES
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktj9D2E6Ym
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF59CFfnnh
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXDMWBIgOK
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lFs19supr
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWe5iRV9ux
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9OE9amalM
"Did you...?" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSATstdHeYq
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qGcSU0Jbk
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3wTFOxfXl
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXmCEp4MH6
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9ITJf6vQi
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAEB126zda
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0d8yNIVvx
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCw3vn4sHU
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyUKfNZ6p8
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXH8XVgNfA
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpTqZxzKwJ
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcqbgpl8th
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwD8IYvTS9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBpEUCRxe9
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IXcekSLVw
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziWLbA8zue
No. She couldn't see me here. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS4kl5880I
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC07qq7u8iD
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSrDKeYALb
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlGSKXPwAS
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p2w3YdLGb
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcnmK06dSX
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9rz4gdnhk
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4vs0U7lLk
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgZGqKpKxw
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP8c6gsKLB
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAfv071JW8
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5uLnxkIVN
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNdEsPtTM3
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl5QjkIG2U
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BNClSczAe
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx8fcEY56O
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHloiFBVaXK
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k4r0e1qhQ
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. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hWMt6hTd3
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOtSSuD08t
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPADAcQzTL
It would be how it was.
