333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UmT6SZ4tr
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyaWMaDR1J
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ3oA7amwj
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X0ZNXC7dD
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY4VeLGW3p
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIhRcMDY7L
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sFmBuzjbm
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv93KcC3yjp
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ggPB5iTdO
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yFCv50u9X
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVVJvdOWfM
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhydLDJaJpy
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOOF0e6tKh
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF69kLLen2
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8QlUY0wTQ
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nz9A5bMs1
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5GnyEXgO9
Would she like it? Should I make more? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtlDgfhCTl
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrOXtMvdTg
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1nDnkCHTT
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKYIkab8fF
One would do then. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGM9wVHREj
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIQp2yp4et
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4xp3rsgmx
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VahLG67ze
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHVd6ITzdU
"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?" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9IxaerO2h
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7EJCFBwd6
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERkPVSr6lT
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNmMleXS7F
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBwGAMcJNv
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86eiOmvVtq
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflglXj3icV
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61L4q4P0dI
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJOH744RmN
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpNuq2z7bu
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA6ufPg2xN
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwEvyPh0KR
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpKB32wMzl
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufmizWUXmk
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNHn5yZ9lD
"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?" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iuszHA14I
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIyNucj03C
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1LQxqWnQP
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSdsiq45WP
"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!" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJArrKkyBZ
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jq4dlO3B3
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9ljPiMDha
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8c5XsUL3y
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZIbkx05JC
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWLz7Euxm0
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrBqZkfFbv
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtUtGFB5YJ
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRGf59EYaX
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxssXumao83
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRrSueWUDo
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkY0QyTruf
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoSt17aah8
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiOoMqKoME
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuNDh3pfJE
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD2i4z04Do
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC38Q1PNTs
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIeia0NS7p
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03dQucPfpZ
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8mvIRk5YW
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqqppfHPKX
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0JwEuLKtK
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? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcecBzD219R
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvt0nmUlO2
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojgJ7TO6uG
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmP7MLLE0m
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu7ntUZrkR
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM2F2jzpvx
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1CkaTdcwE
A stretch, but a believable one. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBRL21V8du
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5EwwTg89E
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IVV7UE5ES
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkRiiGY2BA
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxwMDKFYLn
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXseXDeSzF
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4RYvsIGL4
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzdTZIGy2B
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnGoPhQZuv
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu3MUchrCK
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI6rHPCGH9
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUNfcsOmw7
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnWS37IbCy
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHnGPiUWRC
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPxCxryFjL
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXHGQow8kD
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN2bmt9l9m
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm6Er0Z7Xw
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXniMgJmbda
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpqVEZoHrT
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYd27XyiLx
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rfAekHGsP
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1EffPRkFy
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.
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvQ96x3Iut
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgic6LYcM8
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpCXeqkNL7
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeSB59PgnD
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeQgo91O0Z
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwfwkVrmCt
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbfmTHYf3x
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwN3uIcn0O
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDWNEVF5b0
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRiET2DsLu
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU155XQ1hy4
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKqIK1r108
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLLx78GbRh
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF4H7nX0je
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiibJXwh9I
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu2pdoNHeQ
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wwjIkpbrd
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi951ayYnw
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtQOYX5Ccz
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvzmQXNo8J
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYQ23Qj0Bq
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lGKLpBJq1
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfA3byAeA4
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxXLRMZTY2
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprNWr1Ozj2
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gcd72fG9Q
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6tp0tazVN
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuHJjfOA85
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wPZiMssbo
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpfaPeaL18
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0eQpYlktC
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTMbMqPUpv
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvgebkYNOC
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE57gYKOGaE
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tWxsWKP4J
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsniK1pfbB
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqyopJ8mLB
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKjQdvOSXC
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUK2sMTLeu
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVcjCVQMsl
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFlT7vtN2M
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaHZlb7hp6
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1ztgikaNn
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RiithRGIQ
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfflOalLCa
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFKv9ROZzV
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8yd0W1aQm
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9kpwnDo3H
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyfJw9HmZG
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwFMLPX4yO
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTFO4ZnYkf
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw1sN0rdeM
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJatRDhVS5R
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwSiPDysKw
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFanLdfwYwm
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ocXF1AM8k
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBHd9kMevE
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4F58Lw81s
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7cl3Drjw7
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7x91RVRcz
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LHJlSXSr8
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8HIjHiU2o
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlUkkV1aQf
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YYgzt14gD
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQsvmUPEUF
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwYT4oFnVd
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx02BkLaQq
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNqvCPgy2j
Was it that time already?333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXxPjNFo5V
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v7q6XdKBg
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4kSvjNZdw
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSGXFoafSy
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33x3SOAxq1
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qMeRaP6Yf
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTz79XIz2f
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe63taMKih
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdVmcKi6jH
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9jyWfvay1
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXpe8AQr6C
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFlhEYt2JJ
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62bZYX2Ah2
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZlTXrOfD9
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPU3jTBvBg
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfXssyVPaj
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxLJadKZMQ
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc2pcnknQt
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXUUEfMLgd
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVre6cOaAL
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw7MLlX2Nn
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp81RHKdcwy
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EuHEn85uF
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO41SBthrXm
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQHn7JZzBq
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwAx2M9LM1
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45eJrw77bs
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk866Qi9y6q
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZQy0Xp9kD
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6JTblpHJe
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SauEGEsby
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xkxyexXss
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNUD7VVSlc
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bR66f8HTa
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDtv5VJUSr
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ699Pl9Lggb
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAfUCMV6tS
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoZAoXdmy0
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZbF5Lw6Vo
"Soup?" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPOjJNG5ey
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTjVOOjBom
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5jSRzl5ss
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFOwblei20
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBFBhPCIaL
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioRZWfjLdx
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvHX7OCmha
I wasn't still human, was I? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzdNou50bP
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPWByKOw56
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkZ8eVmSbX
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycZ8gOaKni
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR73WzG8x6p
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaUu2jbz6P
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQUapjBr3I
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxj2YdzwSp
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByOq6ssKKw
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Tf7gFWVy
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZJAslCQVd
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiL3BisETl
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUFdtbDSxX
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggLTXyANCW
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb76Zmv4eYn
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhXV5F1s4a
"Did you...?" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTIAdJPaR8
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqil5mpLEJ
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zPkb1dPhw
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujoDZK66rx
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPfTRCy0an
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOXjohANM8
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB8yJo8mH2
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z6jlI0ZXu
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO7Du5en5j
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeSgxZFws7
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLcDStoaln
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60Lhz2SLdw
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrV8IaG26s
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL7KVvObNH
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSU2TQB1WD
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQnb7KHxgT
No. She couldn't see me here. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVmkJtJrRz
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbkDXC1RwQ
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkfQgTBLog
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpwm8O9ooH
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gXsbK3Bta
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZQxbyzeMW
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpxqUPvq3y
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL7KpawcSe
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaVppalBMO
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE52sgA8o0
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nKOD3Cix3
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90CtTKSN6v
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenPd0wvpOx
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj43qqi05fP
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6IoJMBfpf
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm65G7OzKYF
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CJYQKlCxf
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFoqQfWXXz
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. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3zQk3i9B5
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtEYjDcV6F
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n8peWuhd0
It would be how it was.
