228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoEuvkhy9N
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0uFJJks4r
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov43Z0y0gi
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SewQV66mw
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQB6r1DIUr
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8w9eQHvNo
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmNK3szJqy
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UGTflYdXR
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2Le9RyO0f
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgboPhdbMy
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1LCQ8JjRo
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9LcmAWMXt
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4hpa3x4VW
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S6TQjM8QC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7sroueSwO
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTO0rlLVCx
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gNwjzbTob
Would she like it? Should I make more? 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwTd9DjzTt
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDRGxq6ERh
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntyLcnANgM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCl1g89KRU
One would do then. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyewVD0ivs
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldUyqys2UU
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmxWGguGD0
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qBZblGtfC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Wr5d4Bbo
"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?" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhzXWaJeXr
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1KUBmP5sy
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicn6okO9cP
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx1WJaiTVp
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkXe8tcnuF
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJGH6L11nE
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo8eHdCpZw
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiI81Zqof3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQv3BbggTz
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodU7A73H3W
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBw3XwMJIt
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2hkCcPgwv
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVP0Vjqf97
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4yEjqMPFG
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUxIsC1dAP
"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?" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1J9gr0RU1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGjUbyM41w
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwJCnW1JcR
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiXYo7AOTV
"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!" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWGLML95ML
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34Myk4d2zC
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosC6d0BG3x
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZ5Vst17pl
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy7cl9CYCp
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWJleG7eZb
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJwKVuOBpU
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWMmLiazed
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqoboDVYC7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtxJQE9EH0
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMbCtmBw6I
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqrVVbdokW
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWHPV2F1vd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavc9X73ZvY
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut8e90mmo0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvVqV2QCDK
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7MKHVeWRj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWKuOyUfUb
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbzWezhFec
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNCYnX966a
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rUpbGv6xl
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsFmpjzAtq
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? 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZt2KvUgvM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiobfdurSKk
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQn8FCiTe3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOciuzEwjwl
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEMz48E6uT
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz6sQtFqQY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuAxWejvhj
A stretch, but a believable one. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eKmxMjW1W
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzFVwwLOPH
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaI0j1GoJ7
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvFDfNDLwu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2a8lPN2hC
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINRKDT8BlI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19L2ITJ3ZS
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHEhytJuY8
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9aNbc6tv0
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOj6r6cpqn
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifwnfuEgDy
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1QFBfzTLs
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMJNW85Vr2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5doNPuS7L
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd943UZtpAj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTDUaT9rrh
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZmBxTum0z
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1QRy1o9kL
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxon1lkL737
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwZe2otrqT
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvChtgh7GNb
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWinOlOYLc7
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepxtzUSkuw
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.
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMWNvFEQX4
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIS7sV9zEd
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBOWHoPJrn
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPFjjcghUK
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5elqV8FjK
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDxOaL4hRx
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyx7bZyoeV
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LlUuzmQkz
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgzYNUZoFy
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArOzhydycD
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlygJj5TKX5
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqqfeSNG6W
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wvHnYiivh
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvaot9ehHh
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HnpfAOTr9
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNE1RO5ir4
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx0Et3qHl8
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI381CxFzyn
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDGjLuG85E
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5B3YpYfQa
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDv2k6goyM
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyIEYF9RdC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl39d7gqLb
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMmsVnn2mG
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZowsnrzQFf
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC09EIz8sfS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySPzoMwuz3
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxdIu1Q25S
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GBsPrvGh9
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CoQXYXrnf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbcfQ6eJe0
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiis9v0TFf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26EGEonxt8
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCywtLZ4RDk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNmwwleF7T
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJAJJajLm1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCfwDpuVvi
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHINTdTB8Ox
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkthlIqYiGi
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZFR2yJTIj
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjojWVucXmH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3oLscbBg4
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnlV2NfH0W
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPqfWZF0yW
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GG9aL4Tmp
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1Ir9GP8OV
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTcOQ7Mjps
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73KKouh8wL
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoIxUtcG09
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZeiQ81zyP
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AyqQ3C9Ns
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTaTJwZ309
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ698sIof2Ay
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKuTfC2wTp
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRaRryIv9H
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72QbUXErCL
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLDuPXXvWb
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv3JswCIcs
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfGuyJQpkN
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPimAMbXmmc
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAPP683VSO
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpCV0bHqzK
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxJUnFrfVs
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndYWlms4Of
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4mteNBXQx
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7yMXMuIZI
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv1QpaRXvN
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGLt5Pxtq5
Was it that time already?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegNmwPu41C
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy7Oe56yCD
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oGDfWbOQs
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWpAIEWDlg
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldw7PoulkD
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTkVGQD7YX
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVUIQiJYkn
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmYpu1wfir
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i4Mt3mgMC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TX6T9xb0f
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dRfy3H95r
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnHbgCQjO9
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyN4ey5Vbi
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ugmztno0X
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtL1dVLXpr
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW34bdqKEr3
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNESvxto3SE
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUHK44lTDh
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbvVgWfkS7
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcteralNQuc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6KdNeHHWZ
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQusrZbukk
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P8BtLG31Y
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0fuAZME0D
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchW4DN2wAb
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6ly832NqJ
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0AK17qAGa
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6gCnP8Kr1
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub6IYwDvP2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVxhCw00Ee
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr7CCrSiXA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBkNiXkS3r
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiGeR1xGh6
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjSr7wWMej
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzgowUrH24
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWbAxPZc3o
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbqrPizOwR
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIDfY2Q81j
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsGaO6rU6K
"Soup?" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3GvWv81Eu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLivZdcmbnD
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjdTkpf4eJ
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlMz1LdJe2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaKblLJtYh
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYtL1iYONh
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxtOIcZt12
I wasn't still human, was I? 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTRvpDBeiq
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWb6y7vnMe
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwc5chHKUB
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlUibdJBfy
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7TSl7Nl5t
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlbFNyxFBW
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO4mXM8cVy
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnBRiX0lAc
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz0xdQz2LJ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX7C0xa8XD
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQN8CbZsM1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvujHY7PQN9
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL0vZljGqX
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T5OQEjmMI
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydjyKoXMGg
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEYyCMO8uq
"Did you...?" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4lipWx1Pi
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlCIAOQQ48
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi728FlnAvb
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbQu712Ypw
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg4jupCXZb
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQBbcTX1HK
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ1KWLJLQ6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarkuMZMKHP
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9MVCXsOYH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DdHEJesBL
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp1sy9ZmWK
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6sDJGwpLN
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE03ZQ19L5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KFJJ8CUdw
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGivcBiSKM2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7K3pSW4Du
No. She couldn't see me here. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs4ayfCwbl
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ797rpa1Oq7
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQYaabK59k
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb2PKsWAPf
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt9s1BrLQP
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqC7WUbQ2N
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh63OnjLBy8
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6N5eB3dWm
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgQR3mHxhD
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlOHUSlbKB
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgBFzNvgS7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuGZF2iWl4
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1QHqU1tb0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpkSIsCbxW
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjsECWccPd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkutmQuVCt
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefJOujCSSS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkYVIJbq1Y
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. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTxlAYt8Vi
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmJ7p2IfZx
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJdpwuJ5hd
It would be how it was.
