296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC45x08OTb
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTB15FUA2v
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOR2FEHsGI
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY0gLugHnk
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAHpuodGVt
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QXW9QLjWe
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLnu68EbwL
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBhW0Xtgnw
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAlgLA9JCy
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb1TjbUtpR
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyS0ExhIX1
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDgja0JVVY
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KLqE2jiYB
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKC8XM5D31
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye2x5N4ZIX
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVyWoDDyez
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRiSEWzkan
Would she like it? Should I make more? 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78UKLqYwoc
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWw4R5jelJ
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS59x7mcmbY
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtu1EIcLJ1
One would do then. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa1P2Ew8wn
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVJu15WO8d
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9UFDxPFoL
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoqsnK1Nfb
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ3O9Voa6G
"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?" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtWrxqhJ2b
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HNd4pSYcK
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADX6ZzBhwm
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZkkqAG68j
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDBWbOem10
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDOlIjUn9M
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cFRhUphDW
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwCOXrwc0P
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf8cmXDqbC
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DpOY71T9f
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzd94ZWbWe
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ2Aa1dhSS
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHxQO6yT24
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEZiwt5fpn
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxLXRHETir
"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?" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4jixPPMQd
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvJVIDluaZ
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkuLntHVwu
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64iVPJ9eSU
"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!" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauu2LR5Z2R
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcjQChKtei
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOc67gWJXi
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjJPrFLusH
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSsfZGBArT
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp07VCxolP
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx0TknzSSV
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpPo1TWOC0
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAezvdtKgV
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyVu6mP2An
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnoSTr2SxT
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFSVSeOtEj
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmOxzPHEOR
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gqvNj5UEv
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL3GP6g4RK
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I2COICYFn
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCZPuFVpXz
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpo1IMMvYp
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1cl5VMh4Y
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXxnqAboYM
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNNalo222u
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWZZZufkig
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? 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsKLaG7oE1
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWgQzjfNeC
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSORvVy9Woy
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaChEwfxzbv
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF5JAudACo
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKtJiISqHV
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotc4CeUsd9
A stretch, but a believable one. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yDRuvcNUl
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWIxHniWeT
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRUUOIhDOS
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX6WXneYSg
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjxv3nCEyw
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFiUtv1QwM
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdsYKmz9eu
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQxGLQs4VL
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJEuSgR1Ga
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiSEkOcLqc
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpJQCR9Aaf
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw4NUfocbG
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafHgvcqVfC
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHh8Qri9i8
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d61mnLKi4
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NDFxvHumM
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojt7wwU0E9
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZdsELPg2g
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq62d4NqtNP
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThKtmbwdh9
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxCzjkMPTN
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1NTVtAvZo
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD7ICyWga8
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.
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qy8eMy5pn
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9lQYofJ8P
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9MtYjsUt2
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vibJ6kytt
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ7G35b6o7
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYWo7lPU0f
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbWEi9fecH
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywLAbu6Mte
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJSvtDF4E6
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanTFrIYfld
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV62vbxLkEF
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2RnUwJtxX
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmUMiKloyp
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ41yySkCN2
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU7Y7EIKs9
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKxZLZ2Xjm
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1lVTmeIhq
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvUYJdhaTB
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqWmXQEbfP
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3AnqDEnQI
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvGrECASaG
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9E68ZSlwYo
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux2G79XQad
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NFqbPdyJO
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHH23d1YnI
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS2LSqmN76
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGseWwngSY
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOTEWCacM3
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkQG29KSuv
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6zJg1Ga2L
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLth2YAZT3q
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGSg0B4yWi
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3HhiPeZe5
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.296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KpJGudQRT
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vn8Krt17A
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUKYEsb4Ss
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznpPy4HBZk
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYKGKKbFxU
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t4Yls3H1B
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YfKQpEaLN
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAHvXZttYy
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBRboSGvCc
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31do5dDOmi
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPC1E0ueJA
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc4FgFWx9s
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKW02RMpai
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTIh3oQGNV
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau6fY0ig8D
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscFkEFum0x
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksddTs2cO0
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpIbzp9iDi
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMMMXsffLu
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIEIvE7cSq
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn2HBtXull
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjyA7eF1TY
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94AV7PlKZ4
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLOAXOLF14
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9Opkcfb5R
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbcA15dUXZ
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGwgxg97x7
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpe1Da0n5f
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pIGhJyCs2
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OVrJlGme6
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTCi0WQusB
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz0LkZQgFY
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPJjJTKDTV
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhkgzakHam
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxZXWZ3htS
Was it that time already?296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMgDEZnZeH
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8oSnfEPP1
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNVzymWM7T
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnU2g6C2Jj
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjCeadtidK
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI8NwXAgj0
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yQkXYBKR4
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTLwoK9YEm
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlugMHntZl
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIcLqJ8znC
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04rbAjwpg8
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19yRBJv6lp
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MRaRN3jkS
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwEndNk6so
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzm1qf0JRs
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo10crgjLO
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa22rEbPpfC
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRji1DFpTU
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEQ3Ok1OXx
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8zzAosLr2
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlABgoZpkju
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4BnlzgPCJ
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvoEaSGj0m
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrBxskxUa5
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1h1ZJKxtc
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikxTPdM3Fd
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYJ6KQJZRB
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UtuNUDNtX
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrppR20J7Sh
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfGMcAmDIE
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPJTfAsnSY
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLue5HLewP
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nouy4KIFI
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TvHoZGxWy
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftZFRy8X4G
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.296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFR9HZpSMA
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUG7b8xm4S
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX7InIdynT
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mjaWN82Bo
"Soup?" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0Kla00pCm
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRtTPBT1GD
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbntmOi5NlL
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgU0oJqAiV
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfjpDTqGeb
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUibm0LbNcY
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYacbvBmERe
I wasn't still human, was I? 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSYjAd89PS
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUdPCdoH7A
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnUrLxToW5
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQCAZjfpKv
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkknUotPws
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaBCSPYrGu
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncakOquL6Z
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvL0LW47Zg
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLeravehcL
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1w28Oxk4u
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMK15kHuB2
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoDKgfQt0U
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJXFp5Z0fF
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG5RiWDbKQ
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmuZIZiAzy
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlsR4UxEe0
"Did you...?" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQo5puIeDB
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXFIq70NQl
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dXE0V2uAn
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYhqa5PbmN
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoy7BmWvr8
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADLGNBwC3g
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyLbTwLwml
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCjcSJq67G
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ths0dZVIL
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHaxFb5c5n
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKVNnfga6G
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY4WDfnIoH
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.296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89fd3y2L7S
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sYptiljYg
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCCkEdRhJw
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PY3IqaDP4
No. She couldn't see me here. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa5w6yBQmX
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxIQA1lgn7
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM8IW8Qil9
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPlh7NkBYG
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNZPhucdYy
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j8pM8JaMy
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaUQDPHTlA
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5ABc6eEAW
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMijwrxuhp
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CmadESvf3
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W596keMXN
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO9kJR8vZn
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9kB4wijxY
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxytlkOKhl
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFlFMq9TXC
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bo03kfQtr
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tHjgJIRXj
296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5LbPRTYhm
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. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrxrQaJx9p
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.296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWSQH6MGDA
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfOydXvv9W
It would be how it was.
