334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg74b3cJ85
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUdVIa9wuW
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiomwrjMBq
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU1Xxs94zp
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s5FwHFsbc
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRERiz39bFy
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3knGLM5Hdz
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOKJcXa29m
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PYn9ne3NO
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg7lM5T8SC
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkskgAKLPu
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun91e0X6xa
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM0fa2KbKT
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFvKSGuzYU
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlg7Agwr4T
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVf1hmZ2wn
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrnNed82yq
Would she like it? Should I make more? 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7KU4J13hV
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1Zk19eAse
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e1O8dhyrm
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0hqoMEBAd
One would do then. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhoTynfMKE
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWz6v9lmRf
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs7BJf5I1D
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcDqoZJBEf
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BDSeOxfFh
"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?" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxHjU4j0LE
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yRfpsUUWp
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0LWoZnnsp
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t33rsHvNs
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBue4iejWzw
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImjExFutCD
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflqHqGQHw3
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4dOfRX70O
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELouGnFl62
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qpfiwdA8u
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6pBVZivtY
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I6aj4pzMM
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jPrN3glCk
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBnkc93GpU
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNSP7avH2l
"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?" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbqQ9LflbP
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1XzdxN5FP
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50nzDqriA6
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnxKYVXCO7
"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!" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j8t3PixYE
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSdYksxWc6
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZtDYXDBH6
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5SFvoiumU
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM4Q9uNfnk
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7x9ynMrPF
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtLW1DHjfQ
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJEPlC64rG
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX1V7KVRii
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm0p3eo3v2
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKw4GfiNwX
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eC7o5jTXC
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKAoJwqkeV
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy8KDa1crc
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqRGSBc5mP
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfagiIxHSS
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJTLCFZz9O
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lzQfSq4ip
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8BIFlKBYN
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSy3n3k946
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6HyjASUd2
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPSfYl5DMY
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? 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4txOxSYSz3
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfju46oC8l1
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W8ra9istL
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPHHk8fQ0c
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0Nd173d70
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOpR6ID2hE
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwEzbrhH3I
A stretch, but a believable one. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R1JrRCx2Q
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PDUPAjUS2
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV1BwZ9Hfh
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn4Ogekbr1
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjWbryAmuv
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjfGLYlm6h
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ3uGCHkAd
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGq1Z52ch3
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIanCPWs0R
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64NDMU70Jl
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqW1udc4Yuc
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ173DZWhCQc
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Lf0qZbDzX
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv0PjTkPhv
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM3SaW892O
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwHbrodGlF
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAibABIi5G
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMah2ATjSa
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6a8gSoVkW
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UZctpW3q5
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQyZodh9cG
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2aYsjbNky
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwNILtGswi
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.
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFYwIAlWJr
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG75BxC6ij
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik6psBIfbW
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoXQk3V0Is
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAi4Jpfkbf
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr99CODL1y0
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKZpOQjpOk
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsjDOBwQVJ
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb5hC6RKP4
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN5tZGiLmz
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWZfFHN2cK
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLMEcMZOLw
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4awFaQhMXJ
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg1Mw67U7x
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyZEJIRBcz
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDDJu6LMz5
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xO6j1FUj7
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dvhavpfVa
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamlLmUAmy6
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatJ9QxVvMg
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbHnnmlV0z
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0zcWIDJQz
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwv7zymyi3
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7LXPRLdT9
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSxlzeTwn4
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzktTHpODVm
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm76L7ruT4z
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0ogAj9QGb
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBKQbhrRKf
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw3qGa3oXl
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh57dkFb8bZ
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzEpufWk4i
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41ZWKRypf6
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.334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3aeS2uGUL
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6yrqRnWNB
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o8bIHF5uU
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVjZvbMVib
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAkDzaEvJ9
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhtSUUKKpT
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn1YmJnuDd
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIkH6bT6Qu
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oeLaVOvyi
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRrlmi1gJw
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0iGenAF3D
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OePPhLoFI
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4jG5qOvae
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8KDtsKvEm
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69UQh8Z3Fs
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeclqgfZcwS
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxVl6gCwfx
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKoq4XjC4U
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeicdeXYUj7
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfxFrhc1wh
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg2N4Pb6u5
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlQmoEoDp4
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rnCoS9yLZ
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC53ns56hyv
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuLRNgWeYi
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqDtZd6kLK
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF18OXJs2p
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEk7stYDDr
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjXmU42Xmt
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNsmTbrKHd
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUaRmeORQx
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBMlIgjmre
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotV7boNdO1
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF52tFGTC6l
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qro0OQO41
Was it that time already?334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsts04P3JdL
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Uwn1g74YJ
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAc1Mo5QOx
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26Iu6GUc9A
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOlhMfSlAV
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu6tCBNe0m
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4LYX6xVP8
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHprDAxA8X
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOu7eQlFXs
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupxickCwiX
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdjSbPfEJf
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJF0IJCXxi
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1zVZQnldQ
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98W1ydFkx8
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoLYKOHGEl
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz6krnww6A
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJE2COw8rv
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKZmkQyvni
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMfVSqjn9m
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgtFLMkq3V
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwVQMlSZuq
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPLfsYQwUL
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQYhbKLs54
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANayIcHYzk
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRhGhx8AdV
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLWha4BQ9c
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIqgrRDgrc
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBWnM0tseV
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rZpQtu2LA
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam8uZ3pJ6t
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLhYjTXLcm
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxqPuNogPq
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBgYM6PHgX
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RIRgrWa20
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAZBPbzNdR
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.334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIOsyQ0TWg
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71UHCTrlik
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHJoAMafz7
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBRQc7ZRb8
"Soup?" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ796JUXBnL1
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ua3ILwuaP
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06gv9sxTaI
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncIzXSPDpd
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkD9mIR8Hs
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE4wFo8se5
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdleVpEJVeB
I wasn't still human, was I? 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbna54Q1XJE
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3e7Ye9Q2z
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk4UBDoO3Y
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuElqFj6wFZ
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh1VART42u
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQkohEgKX9
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxefrDZY0n
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC38R6x8VV1
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsYwtOTxgd
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pfJcanhAF
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd33fDiwo2A
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSc2922ZMP
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNugvhc2Jx
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63on0foIIb
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2qx2bR87A
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6LxaVGv4A
"Did you...?" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYKDOYMdZL
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09eZeVYKq3
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbItJXQyO3
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkOvt2R74e
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjxJZKeduj
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15kqOO5L0K
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUzOuHmysG
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw1ajHkIsV
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7SfmCtdhu
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFyOqiTmWx
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPyeZxzqvt
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysLDcDw3Ht
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.334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpRZYfl2Qx
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBcjphE28w
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBAhImpQXR
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIZ5Fnoz8R
No. She couldn't see me here. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P2dmXEFIo
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssudUhHxue
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEXtlTcpbS
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYuCRV8gBc
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoJsFPgbqp
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNY90TCOUV
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ywLPV8s77
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVWt8uEvys
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiaHWi9EI8
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9zHzeGGEQ
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK3n72ryHn
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp84VhrXJm
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAoZR3tzQ3
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2EFiIrYAf
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RR9TA8hQQ
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMTPIvpn6a
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFf5ZVQtMG
334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtabX8UKFtR
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. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7WaWgIKq0
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.334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ2j752EcH
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh5kQjJgVm
It would be how it was.
