277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstzHJ44VBK
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4meCKnbWN
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0C4TEn8KF
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CW96sCfJ7
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZWwgt8Onw
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5T6dhikHn
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMkcgfdcHM
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaTxneq5K7
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eQRwOYjvR
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa36yImCLO
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aDFuboGri
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CdOUidVi8
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpGF2lqAWC
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDSET9zLhs
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06EB42EysS
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tXnIMR0v3
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfD6yOw9gz
Would she like it? Should I make more? 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdKEw1ZxWJ
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsb6tTt5cc
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iaks15Add
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQcc1WHU2H
One would do then. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gP39YfjIk
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NrNedQxle
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGuvb25A29
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmdeTegavc
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlN4Cojvkf
"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?" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0E8HgMzSI
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx9NUASk4p
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCv79TrKnS
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5eQAZf2KT
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFneZOJunYW
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYb4EErdOW
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BYeOTDgqX
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbGUc8Nlr2
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldESocwHiH
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy2yHL3rX5
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT03mumH2s
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdOENdYyG7
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHlETGgWq0
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdVdNSkmp6
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVP1bnxr7R
"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?" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkUNHQQI7i
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFeiIUJGIp
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd491nGepd
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3550Mf6Tt
"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!" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18CeewVlj8
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLvdGAbwyO
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZY7uRiMCL
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMMAeh8xAz
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVfdNrr6IK
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q9A993UfI
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZBF03sUXP
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoSGgLJxzI
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59cexXvPlT
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbANSk9lxl3
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECHqoVs6km
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22kLQWAXyG
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1AJTJ7Cys
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYMgEgIedH
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WPLkc5EZL
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OKk5ZjU9i
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjIRwd3sDa
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8igVpBmsh
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkKdSFhJmO
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN59uP6PIE
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC395nd5j9D
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtZZaotxO2
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? 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB1gpzN5bR
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5bcZ3e15o
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHM4317Vj4
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxi3LCQaRkX
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp4Glv2kkr
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs5REL85Tn
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzyOWn5fI3
A stretch, but a believable one. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlPCOmtEx7
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgitvV13y0D
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuTqoKK2A9
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy73TImQVs
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB5TnSckJ5
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD4TODHVwO
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSZOVz8Kmm
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWkgnysBQ7
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyQ9SaXJDe
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLIYvqWXIT
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0XZcoWtSi
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTvu9xOy60
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3A70wzW9p
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eCGoEVVaV
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZFtSKG2UT
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNr6hoFJCz
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsBhCBgZS6
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwiyGP98wh
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNkySWMTFc
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpcmZReJGi
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71Jt0xmnsx
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKp9mlB9pF
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0Vv5T3wmT
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.
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96mTPTyRKd
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnEHulUdBG
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP1Ve3pQgH
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa2J2Z27MI
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F1GQmw1zc
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpiYqOGhDZ
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67dPKog8Fm
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKQjRVUlIZ
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWVBsecLFI
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fTpwaZSg2
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcceEU1irtB
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW99HkNshF
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxeqm3wsyc
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM8QqQxGUH
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuBg5ZpPcH
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTzRQpnst2
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMSd9yBa3c
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOmWwp2bOy
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEs4V7K5m6
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuTS4BzsX1
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLZ2mQvBhA
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErjwdIMkZv
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmyAFBJ2MV
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTPAiXokEz
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE5K2Owucw
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEoWZ96tF2
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh6Le5utrk
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f10RZ95dD
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFwEB1pgaC
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4UrtJPwuK
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4R0zuCFwI
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCqHzshNkO
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgerSQmf7TW
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.277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnIf08DgU3
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz18kZoOid
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD6RovlAMm
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMg5sHC2uY
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjB8YaItgK
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c3I6uoe2x
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymMf1kWzIy
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzJGNiuR0k
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xb3dedbDb
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5VUcpLXqH
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqvJTTU1Gu
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVb28YxwIK
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct5DywuWON
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39jroyI2qu
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj3OGW3EL4
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrmk55M1tk
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNUE6Uqv6M
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44DOkOJnGf
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaaLs2OSOu
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuJRDordYE
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIAMdsV92z
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxYw9VeRfe
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9tmfS9M4N
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ0facq4wy
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmOtPPLRsh
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiwse6nTNf
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1UxOdRJtg
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtBtrjyCkb
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQORJgCN0d
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03veqCTHWk
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnWuV4EsRq
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lDQGZOkDh
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgaZ8HsyUM
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM2WQ2lZbe
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHiexv0r11
Was it that time already?277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoM1NaoLGj
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg8KoF3DVO
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpspl1poOQc
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQip5o3LdpB
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllblZDmDNH
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkHdO9LejK
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgT5mT5b6y
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnK1uXq4rw
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RdXFtDu5v
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0P6VcGW58
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiChDBDIEp
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBvVYAs2nP
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK9I7ySZ4g
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaiNSmpqv8
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGkHYlUapv
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrRdCK8xHQ
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKTX4lzey2
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0IPKSTKzJ
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjvGjoOBid
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDJDfPw90J
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpsbXK97e2
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYQ0rNCf1X
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrrVPSc2U0
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8FVoOELOE
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa9JV4tkjs
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5U4FhRy4n
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNXyUbJNZ6
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hPpRbhdH0
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt7I285ZRt
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q3lYEYNyF
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJRkrALwWv
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC5EGdkwvc
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwNcbnqv80
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUBAguTdxa
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFJ10KGP1p
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.277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM11vSeaLg
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABl9xHgc46
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B6p9nuyCi
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO1zGXli20
"Soup?" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYqf9uZSuW
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmnMycM5ed
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczCqUuDO5Z
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS7jKwjqCd
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk0V7s0dGr
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEVqLjtlaQ
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHShSn37pA
I wasn't still human, was I? 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ459pgWEIBi
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eY82chY7d
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9BRJYoO7W
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiQu6miiiq
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7evM2DQvj
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhYcIY46BE
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bGtuOCvAA
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2EDK3cAe5
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0riuZVxJ3
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRPiTrbZhK
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGp9bWsqxI
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvgZjTqYRr
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOYtCLQ7QE
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEHWyzPOoG
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1rlLbsG6u
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTc7o6JO5Y
"Did you...?" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuWDpBrkuJ
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7vTtSXJ1c
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2J7n2WhrW
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoYLbryAWk
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchVz2tTD3K
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD2ggM926b
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q5W7x7cPR
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKADqbahw3
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHgCePNIRw
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR456vkzZph
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGviaFAOL9N
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFhFNOOEFF
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.277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu5In15ZfO
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5ODwc03zq
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsURNzJVwM
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZU0AQAcR4
No. She couldn't see me here. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVrzGCeAKV
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJUZHOO8ZN
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5zVERuHkK
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvwXGRsb38
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3bJGml6GD
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeQZSV4f9W
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R1Zeeh8rQ
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS8fLalQoB
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfcBJchwvV
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEUtWI9JPC
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiH0toWnb1
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauJjv3zu4m
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVIbQLzhCr
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pv0ft9nbh
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JwrkMfoM9
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLzTGLRw1j
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs3KbRJyK1
277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZbWMGNawR
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. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpZCq6VyEN
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.277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTot7nbg9h
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 277Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OZUkSbcqi
It would be how it was.
