278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAqjaLe0Es
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MbxZPGf02
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk1kLdJ0qC
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZKHUPC6T3
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnhg6dHHWQ
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ODwTJNFfv
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2R7KdIuTr
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS9VTN4ueE
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLUn9yGls9
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwyclhheTT
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv7CuRrSPs
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IvUcHof2a
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnInwMovBXE
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlvuWmwVD2
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqO6cEncZF
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXrHlPG1kY
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFhjuFvEkT
Would she like it? Should I make more? 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFIemHXN6C
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKL3R3L7yD
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LNLgRFB3w
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l6qLyzWpH
One would do then. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttaaaG9DHR
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqIkMGRRPO
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI7bvwYmMz
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrxgm02JpK
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0gfe3wFUT
"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?" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rUpE2kpon
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGm4AlBDK7
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmWxXTflhd
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUohdRRt10U
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMTdF3xSuW
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgsUrCfGNV
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ0HjETLBy
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoJtITsJV4
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWpofo1tzs
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52C4cV9IwV
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wplMLsJiW
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePYaRQ6o3H
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizPOL5Sm5Z
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT9OXEr9vD
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqolKXpJxM
"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?" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrnbT7IPDP
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrOYlOLBA5
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSyKYHOy62
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViCgRrN1HB
"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!" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDriUBXCYc5
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ0dqJuag1
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDw5PPlpaZ
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgsvHuNajf
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwN9II0bRN
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M8v8yhz9N
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxOKeeKxKx
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklplv6p6yJ
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxN1r34pvM
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyt1WsnvDH
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9WZ5IIy7L
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFTKRtS8Pa
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jHl2RtoIk
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1I0SZ29PA
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQmqGpmnv2
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EoS1Su3AD
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ipYMKPP9P
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7CcXlYLD9
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUJhXLOSxd
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOr3QnRP5C
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrr5d4DcNY
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEdUeXejO8
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? 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd3oBasp8a
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75505s7oFx
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFuyh9Tgqn
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FSk8ajQd7
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfD3IaHv0H
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEg3Mnu6RR
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYtK5VWMwA
A stretch, but a believable one. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoEFsLePpo
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3wo7ooroD
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXmnky1a7w
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qcsW8h4gi
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpJmXLIZiM
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbiUlg9com
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXpwjM4vvb
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjHPhZa6Fp
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcQPT7F3A5
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgN5cayguI
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5m9Rz6MXP
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRHXWredZR
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KSV7XS9Sx
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROisZBIx23
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBZFkAvXY5
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdLBPt6WUB
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU84DLAYGr
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMAcA0q2fp
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGln9LI8YoF
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LBKiHCRbq
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2JUb1AeoK
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJei0Lzura
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xPBvdK1Sq
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.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23vdtNdYLK
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCtckz0rZK
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZmI5lW1ED
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBaq5eLLN3
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ512JkaRo1m
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfqMjRHKYE
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJwbuY9hAJ
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dkPdIPF9r
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6K46ULvc1
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrA3wWTVcH
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiHqvH5BDH
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDHfLpdtUE
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQyEPRy46V
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa63ZPy2lmv
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlagZJdVfya
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKYXoUKYyl
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6ELZnBNDU
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMyIyWAo0k
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JOFUPZ9hD
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN8wWtciGo
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouVo1SNKlL
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ5tClniCc
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SO6oxSaC1
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZIL6fljAT
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT39GntufuN
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHu1JXxOcQ
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAyb5JoCWC
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMIFeclZkj
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe6tsTDr0y
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNmxE8PxG2
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNh4LopQBV
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjb7hTjeIO
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBAdsIhz6l
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.278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4utFSDlSN
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yL36ULBTB
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhcwWsm6C4
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI9SuZnKcZ
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D9DZzbslq
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuGZ51ghsV
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLyplqnesV
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgbsKA3H1X
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kdw3UZ10X
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENLWUx32Pv
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3pnuIN7u3
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xJz1I4VKm
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxMA7888R7
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx8t5ACSSl
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVZOmEOZDS
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbawNvauwsn
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfveoubhcB7
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyseShfEVN
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIW0EpJr7S
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QHlSMWnb0
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LwHMWyyT1
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWkmlIBFdK
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLqTbihzie
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFOBnul8TH
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUc4meyHat
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1D4tIIMFK
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJRfKr3Iy5
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw9OQDU3zh
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUhUkiHorS
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZfr2zkgNw
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSglkYTq42
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5BqQ1OVi8
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ615LDXX9U8
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPUZRQWHRO
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfPSooAVVl
Was it that time already?278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9TtVWcGU8
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyaJN7NwCS
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpFA62ERxc
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH2hxbZY5y
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMIGL6zxbC
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROCyfyu2vP
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUNq39RmSw
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QFrYSxcSY
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS10BBibEpo
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY56AaloCuL
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVgMbR4CV4
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHyaRMVkCF
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaxSRblagV
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuyocM8is0
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJcCUFGJOY
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFDbTokqlb
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad4AzfBDHH
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7jaGeFygQ
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS7zVvSitu
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhVWw9V0v5
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0LUKfjedp
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7IEAi727X
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiupS0Or1ZG
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoJfh8AAW5
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWPnv3SNuJ
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iLNp0B5kK
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPfNru7yYN
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Bl6Iy33o
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHtz6VjMTs
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLmAgQqDkJ
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2yPp73oIv
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnxmHApIot
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xQREmfTRp
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdZXlkHbCK
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYIMTSKK9I
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.278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYO3QA9ipI
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTSutBYCoK
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBQTkgVDnV
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpjxnvU6Ac
"Soup?" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw9FS9yiPN
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr11VEjppi
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDx0mDBdof
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0K9k5nUCY
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTTVfYqmUc
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OGic62WQj
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RrcKmcTXq
I wasn't still human, was I? 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfBmCRHJw4
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5gX84y6FD
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIIqY9e293
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FjIOJ2CVJ
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YoPSSd9Hl
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pgx6x0aPY
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMEfJ9kVKu
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7RYYAlDIQ
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoK39Otps5
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy1s2g7A63
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx4JT5y6Nh
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmyBAPuUxN
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lEwrmaWFH
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKda6PWkDk
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo4CVHc6XH
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEXPpkxUgo
"Did you...?" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ptjSi6F14
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRipkmlm1AL
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZRJ8BnguH
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeEXvlJfnR
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq4LNZzvR8
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH89ozwIPP
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUjo6DUPIn
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWm6pshJpd
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlacFzloqq
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2muFYn9K8J
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFLq6Mfvd9
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lkvvvKjAn
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.278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2U5OTUDWZ
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWorX5s7Qg
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr95CbA7rm
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2nFwaCAGA
No. She couldn't see me here. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcHenBzn6L
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEeyYt6sY2
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8rOentU4k
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5nlGv0fw1
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMgW8tiXsq
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVelGCGaWx
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibirDTt0t8
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nxhFPXqJ5
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dehVKgcWJ
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqUBpWRvNQ
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyK6f9bWOf
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Xhtg4EUbJ
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcBsqqGWbO
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99A8aRGGWm
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvNwJGHLC9
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8tEnZxxfU
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NI1pCL6bn
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5An6Vdlskk
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. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VtSjIWZcM
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.278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgoijW2Z3g
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rhBwKQ1wZ
It would be how it was.
