246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rLSGqzuSo
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5wj4QfLHd
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsiF6SRsnb
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxOIDIDiBL
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcNTh2WiQv
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZmpOX4Suw
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiwmPRCMjI
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2CoFuSOpr
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVcgQytT0j
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINPSBpEqXX
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscdRd7ey5n
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z2x8UiXhN
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrABu6VmLIh
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwApNLbU83x
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTbso4UVvG
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2LN8S9qOk
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeivswico5
Would she like it? Should I make more? 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYELWNmrTI
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm6BmksldK
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJfeR0lJBO
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdA2fecZab
One would do then. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkswZGkqYk
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR0gTydzEQ
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKh9USNv0E
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG4KoMQC27
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyRJOLEWHI
"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?" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHSyWNQzQL
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUIawAeHB2
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb8Uj3jYVg
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl52RxQK532
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3TWsc7ebq
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE3r4NowxS
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDOo46yB02
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3SpSc2TG6
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0DA8DlkJv
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mOkVY8XOb
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt210WuROrs
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi5uNrgcLR
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1yfofu5xX
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdhbNMrl2q
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mLtZRhkgH
"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?" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvobwC9mlEN
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh56fNu8xp
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpLkrdstfN
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUx28ze8eC
"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!" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIe8vT6zhS
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SMlCAMJ6B
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfvZoEhkEo
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZNBZn769e
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBR1SYNi0s
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19uJfGRiWV
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagir1KZlHu
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LbQ6B6TH8
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKuNNtMIVZ
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp9RO8jjPv
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAXsZROUsa
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVryc2ZPFO
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTqzjxrglS
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Vd8aUjY35
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBUj73SgOz
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB0bcnMRtQ
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORBJc4hytn
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy3jTsfNo1
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWA44TYy8J
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNKPf6CCuB
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpUtNmjZza
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1c22wzF6V
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? 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZzbbI4tk2
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSlZkYHZcP
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy2nd535OS
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRGNqNZcWS
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq79r0Vdxn
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNrX4Y3NUb
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi53K7Dnhm2
A stretch, but a believable one. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iVrISdvNy
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5gwqQKs3o
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXd178Ejdi
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfKlnjUhXI
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2mRoq6OFW
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V5Y8L5CcD
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc51DXxAnKy
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTfkZS7A1B
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbrShW7vvj
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTq3TCWzNP
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yOM12vERG
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt8ZIbC44L
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSNomxDli5
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMbxBb77sh
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowXWOkDR4l
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pp0YRsWUw
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwslKEu4L1J
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYBtAzwTeP
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRQocdAIIx
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2XzrXGKYD
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLd6Eo9mBS
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wD6nKvdrM
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxR15eWzVz
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbrfjT1GEE
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPFYrlIOrE
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8ulWHaZR2
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFgO04KKhS
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORMx38oauo
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVre2CrZkPG
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19LcXlSX91
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvZLMlB43t
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh8l0Y47To
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSYdELs6Pz
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjP02WOjWU
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IwpPkA3hS
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyEXeUyKGa
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE2NbqqmdG
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2BfKZ2Kom
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCbxIFV5p2
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm36SHi20jH
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkqzG4MRLT
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88kmDIVXvO
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O99HIZzaz
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpamUhTyjUy
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r9UtqJxSG
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0PpOS3ul7
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69pIIFLLSI
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNJQcRLP4W
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPGjUlXWa2
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43Vu0AnQjv
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡido861NRzE
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHWdQ4Fz6s
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb04qMbcyof
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLfrvCKz6W
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3MvucnurN
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkRU6tc2gZ
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.246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Sewp4xo7
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwozLRR3ZZ
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1V3Udpa31
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZgpnh54k1
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCd7j8cEiv
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PkUYqLiJ5
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78KXijDYPf
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVqcKhjpAS
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUVspOb12w
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcvcfDFEZy
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpoDqAUfdy
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnTT2NcMU8
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEODxcCFajm
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WPKXICIpt
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj61VqNBVSW
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6wFW7dPyx
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLaRGmzshG
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zutbyCoqd
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7ItSsQO82
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd6ymzdm0c
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqq6hcGFtE
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDE9QLujNS
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIHyVkPNKq
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqFw4zE9DL
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUrZBdrVM2
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2pk5shR9Y
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSvAWVDNLC
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfeNnGqMNx
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G9nxZmVHA
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMQ64NWyYC
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNLXphPRNq
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bPRCUuWSp
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25T3MBgb3o
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2D8J77gfI
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbXK4tKogJ
Was it that time already?246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsz7n9tb2u
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eMpcq3gXL
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo3GFuWPvV
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr7Oj669De
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQaI3XIEkf
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9MNTtPNyS
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD9kACdoR1
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO6aDcNHjs
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwLoDhN0ve
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAHVec9vIh
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH1KSpijLt
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDqZP90azl
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfkZqYafBd
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRByK7wQ4dT
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit7DSiNBNH
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfUZFgXj60
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrIWGqUzbw
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0bDtXH59F
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg91Mpdsd8
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ22sbX0FO
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrUEluXi8a
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjWFSsfaYn
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB33TNKGv0
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VYI57yeRE
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi7znINS79
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GJZB5mufq
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCvkgHk8YM
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBidAZIG2X
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7BFVrzyov
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcCGffOn7z
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5j8MvAopq5
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVwZwFwHmj
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIkUlMKHUv
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0HOWRZryJ
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Wl5nGzmlq
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.246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUD48it6jA
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNArBFEyMwh
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxUXKuYcfY
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy75kTplpo
"Soup?" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPJeHL5EqZ
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVLNbrFuQ3
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDH342HyVt
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPEFnlwPzt
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit83LUINRL
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZGpwnVKXY
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcKWDHWLmW
I wasn't still human, was I? 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnZ0CZkC7i
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCj5vSTYCe
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14Ac1aFKGj
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZWMnF2Lrx
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucUeR61YjI
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfDzy28iAj
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKtvLAvFvy
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTnR8kfvnm
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmXR67pDpc
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmvFVzoCHl
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuLCppPZri
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc0PAX488B
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwCMU2RmSF
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfN54oOPF1
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7ryGz809F
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4kSqFccP5
"Did you...?" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTNDjxZ06Y
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDMTFdguoG
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES1FdZJNnx
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtsbj86nET
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctdLc0iLMo
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9jf0EF5lj
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9cL0qe90k
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQhGzeJeoH
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZguhMs1PIl
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0XVbcREZC
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qJGYxkNZ1
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC32PVEGVPe
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.246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsno3YSsTsG
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4azdrOY8tO
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmIvmkbkS3
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxKt9OkcBp
No. She couldn't see me here. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqNTUiVzwP
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFscUu6ywPQ
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqTMB7O3mU
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9WqkZSuQ9
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOdCxyKo1k
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3x8JDLRh3
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pYNxr8FrE
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSfMp4jBB6
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aRJbpZB6U
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofhVaMARzd
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7kaq6Hf8q
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Lc59h4PcU
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOfz5OhqPo
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qWTUDva1G
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNToRhqPoD
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTqfdc1JBh
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqdPBtujyO
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2z8mCvCuw
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. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH4ocRGNC2
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.246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ssawWZ8bM
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXCwTbSXMY
It would be how it was.
