229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaLOHQFCNa
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9TiassAAG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMq5TX4dmW
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrWF9fvOPb
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOkadVN40o
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmeCC5fk4N
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfGtkwyQ9q
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztn2D92Bie
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllQKGAiDqV
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6hI57CToO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatfx9sedVg
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHEJMWuEEI
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIdJ5pXibq
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg6Elva0wR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlYCdYINr8
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz3uTlt2Y0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEPgBXVlbo
Would she like it? Should I make more? 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3K4w8AYhl
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtNvKZKGQo
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrtn0noTU6
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2Ee8d1cqI
One would do then. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbRsDT2Qm7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqCloeBzeH
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLiZPI4DLT
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JXXHb5Od3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKGprlZuQY
"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?" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh8gNNTtDB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIVu7ToI7q
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpqtkosyV6
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3RjMae0H3
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCzhHGEXOm
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqzQysl8jx
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bfxIRsb30
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6UjmeYFBA
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC2PlTKu7w
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSIBBghSuE
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MeVB7n7xS
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X9vmHGYDt
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJKNWf8SVr
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVeVwxKotg
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKehkpvZ3Wk
"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?" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURhDNwafKr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUKxxvztxx
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeoUyZPkEm
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6cwGT4HSF
"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!" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3onWjipIh
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dv3j59wE1
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzCLVaRjar
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb8g0mMLUp
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVIQt0BVMj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUgKItDlx1
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7ElM8OfNF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1oPzzYTrw
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM7IovINQi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLTnC1LoIp
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GW9jbzz14
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTULBF2CD0
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1syBzWUfR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tztnzk3NH
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFWQhM3drE
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gmUEoyyAN
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAc1CWeK7d
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmIvqGzEfn
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzI6RAYlSb
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLtphzmjQn
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uN8ORFPiH
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUuhvHfJkr
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? 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyQoxpUu11
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotgDbjtsRp
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJffEa1fkH
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPnlNZ4XVs
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuns5qRrQlj
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWLaAKeNr1
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPClyoIbq7
A stretch, but a believable one. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yfBipZNTC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iqQao1OKA
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORKpgcWO50
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5YiRYrBrw
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VfBiw9tmT
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkCIYKrtQj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9posD2wkD
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYCNsMZH3X
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNiqz1rUV5
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCLs1cqSa4
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYJdNSfzXN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BdPvtFnDt
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphj4rf5Ru8
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIY3ijqlki
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEPEJviFiR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXS6qkCK30
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV0l5h2YlS
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVXUZ9ecK2
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8sflq2GRE
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3zgcJsItP
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb02CctSPgW
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPDAF8M3me
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hu47DF2Gv
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.
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVd8glLp9R
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAtG8mTNEG
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkxqru9fQE
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkTIUVPtbb
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa1WHPZJW1
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPITYFEfev
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRstBK2tBDi
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjaDvzhIYT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVV56LMDyg
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE735auvLG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehHxPE9IXE
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmYdifgCrP
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV06SAMUOb
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQHjBOQ1GT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnYNd7dXMb
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyVNapK2Ni
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFprEO7a0Wk
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXFeZKCUru
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEblvxtCps
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RWCvuMoFR
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQrTsPOM59
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfOFqKHN9i
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGe6fSGyDR
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YHVW2ioBT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX7NOYugzz
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74yucpE7Ew
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEIyOIYN1L
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7czhGRZrAF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePTapIQyhK
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT2qq118kg
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa1uAr7loQ
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcBMsKfFTi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvLAahxSDv
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUFHxPuNLU
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEucM9M5FL
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh9MXik6je
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVvxukQFvK
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5FaZACX6y
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjEa5NpBdO
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lDQb9XzUg
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQgihrld8T
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmWCobWb1v
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiglSfRbzF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2oMZTTcHe
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ024i7IOUyA
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8wWCRGfYf
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDopMIYabk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhGB7ualHy
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIlb3iY7g0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS4h4mRIyS
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ2GiTP9fy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEbuNgQXTm
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zoOutO7yG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DfH0xo6aT
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlErrhRFWN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp4kPLjk1a
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhcormFc7E
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVi4Ddwe9r
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRz40RE2pS
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMkKuMTIHw
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk7eqslm9c
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9j3hM08ih
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsn4uuzZtL
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoFraieRgk
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlWRn8tDe9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dYVukQw1W
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnUuZ2RRSk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L0LY6AGOd
Was it that time already?229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHyzvLquMn
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Uyuumld9
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9mkdoejuk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTgcpySKv4
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc4enoJevp
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eqeCV6qTN
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0FocpcGFd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVEB1KnDrS
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqoGCT5p5e
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV9zRSlkIC
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TxvjKe689
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGlYSYqU9t
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCg92c5keR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPHQL53vuU
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljUN5f98f7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwxbTdrr9v
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTXgzt7xnk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j77midbW1
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCifPbqceU
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiHUpPVDAd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH6LZ6tkXU
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWoKgqlN8r
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNURb0RkTRG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4dMFKQQUz
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fb7qQIuVQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OgtbVC7Fs
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCzq2CEJXP
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZNvlTgsCj
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDtuUTwfFN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa50ZEIYR8
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73WY7gf9zt
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePC5AuIDDL
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPeuVGT4rF
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzbKUuDi7j
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSIm7N2HmV
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZl1XoyoAg
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXkxR8T5MP
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZFBlPMhwM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96HmGLwfrx
"Soup?" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BbXBH29Ip
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0y7UE0Pxw
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsp2f8y2xx
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn2TWTjfek
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTONAhaFVWA
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtNWMuM62i
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueLZJYvfzZ
I wasn't still human, was I? 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7rFN1ybMJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uf4SgWLdf
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt4irVUSmy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLVO4XyiRc
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mRLq06VDA
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UY9QZf2IJ
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXZleOAEaF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mYM4Eds3R
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAxIDt1pR9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVuHFL4DUP
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4qZ62PRzr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmFH1dr7zn
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40WTAlUYFH
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiwnViLi8N
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T31CW2qEX
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM4Rh7kOab
"Did you...?" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuljljSE7af
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ftij0qBWa
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0eMaiU73V
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pePCyVNI2
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09YxoLArW1
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkz6D8xgLN
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs80FMfnZH
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRiLm5PWWe
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1pEJqGX2B
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3u3SJZENW
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZkl4JkCQ2
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKLRIBrAc2
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeylqr4XtW
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YMad263Cz
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkB3kDj6VW
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImCuaFaWRU
No. She couldn't see me here. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGVTa9I1Ig
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C6NxKRmFF
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihHixEO0Kd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKac47GGosd
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx3Vqkg2vy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZdpLwe95Z
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbzKEjfrGZ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu1rMT7ALo
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4aOkWdkDW
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4IEBpzPpV
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSneqiLaWtN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXRFvb7dzq
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hQ9AegLFh
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YnciSw0zn
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpboDrKE2jc
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq6BcM0fAJ
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sjbvWfaVb
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERM7NIuvHs
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. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT2LhngTVx
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToU4aPN0kz
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOJ0CfIuZo
It would be how it was.
