192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFXspQDJt6
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKXZcGxYil
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWgwsHPWas
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfDeFN3ODq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0188Qvm4V
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuCVgG2KgQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyvVQwfIZ4
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjR2j2FjHE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFsqEZadcd
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7mluu9cov
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVJqyDZlOZ
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpvwsZzxsQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQnqTZLa8B
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c38S5ZlRM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIWGxmX2Hl
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCBHi6UD59
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWXU3zybgA
Would she like it? Should I make more? 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjQUuRmEjE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbEXAwrBkA
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC3Gwmqoc5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRCQb7gbOr
One would do then. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd1t0CJgiQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JrAAwlLrV
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIyAvHaMLL
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEv8x4yesb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEW12TRHt6
"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?" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUrbzSM8gy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfHu6flAtr
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQtSMNJ0Uz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7PL0dpokO
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPjPsgY9A3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreGZHu3u69
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsH9sD5j3q
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xctl88BaS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVl4tWslxr
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ujGGr5cHF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd1IQNWkRT
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf1uGSxvJL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmx9FWFOuu
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJnxlg1qD8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4bNXzA9fE
"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?" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpudSjGg7Z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOj5bvuJVw
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7Hma8jQq4
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLME7QECv8J
"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!" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeQ10NqCIp
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjKLUYlwCU
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ802L5OWsAu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1zqhLwswd
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkpq4suH2g
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCQDBRCwvp
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ15hfkBl89
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKfsmzdnsb
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqQguq2BIi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ968lZYGIfm
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFcMWQgX9o
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihKrBIDgge
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy0Uii4OyQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnshTsluBbA
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt1lg8scAB
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixyHPeewAo
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kMTjg09sv
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNKYe6MxHF
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJO9I4hNJf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmEtmhoaJh
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbdNVtcXDU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrvAXjuIFR
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? 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHoMQfbG93
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikYYJYJK1i
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzW0D5fVqb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxAjpXQ9qK
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmacCIKss4
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo34BrMEWP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuMPJWCS1w
A stretch, but a believable one. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bCX4Xms4p
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZnOaJmX1X
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidpAg0DvzS
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hzm34m3ac
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35JvhldZ0p
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMTV7WjDK1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKEbqqFI1e
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSnLsJBmsU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KDZsHKuXO
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilrMOqS4gs
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0zf2HJM8X
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CUWLT0gRo
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKTnrgLKNi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJtoyZM6dJ
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBOpFjNNZf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdEwNoWQBT
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarbxojHvcT
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RSkIjdpSg
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe3daZuPcn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHPuZIntje
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3gKUJZMWo
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYMTEkTCQM
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY7qVDgZh5
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.
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjlzsEftYL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0RcOEH349
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDFiFxSraq
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ0zRhYBxH
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNBX1yNHPV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaJcCoQMy4
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkccEBGRCA
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae2Apnqxtz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAjSPyD5Dh
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BtvIPfJIn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcFLD14kIQ
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlbnuTlecF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jCnSM3dJ4
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfrBg07Ux3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMv5I4Tetw
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc0f4pfYtn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcUGhvIZlP
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb1gWlyp2j
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBAnPynDIN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrAQzo7XZP
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zTim1GcHf
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6uvazDvD1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfNOyObpHu
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwttsK5cic
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelIYE2bCN6
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoXCmPylks
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhGEm2FGBf
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbtKMO1o9l
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYMG5ivMaI
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8t3TCBhy6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQUIjbNXVB
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7vOCLH5Ti
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6fcRKFeLl
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ15a6TcrsQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodWWrRSYUj
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoshFgM0Vg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz3eFPrRIC
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt34EvvYSn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw5GViABDV
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3QEtdHi5g
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEBnxyXgpN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jPuFEsLr5
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EGpNMl7M9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElaAZ8UEo4
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUm1t0aa6m
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfFIsrtX7c
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8RMs3bOx6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh218vLTtX
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG8s3ppuZd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO50uU3AK35
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjmQzmPcoK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcD5jAOpE6
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXe19QmrmW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdn8mgEnaQ
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm8YQtKXfi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvuvV2ikKZ
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4BpBHjXoc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbhMU3Kkfy
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLJctn2kX2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3OCSOlJCp
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtxpOjL2MM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2VlT9mlLh
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrsztNhh7J
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAtIz1tY7e
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj5lYS3M0P
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukeJKt3Vqw
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfl3qrVTL2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38OofMEyWt
Was it that time already?192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkGk6GfuB2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGCDoWq5mh
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UrK0mTIHn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm0VhQgGxz
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf82FNAzWN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SH7azUKGC
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EDHy3w9uX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJpJwMPbgS
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3pT9JchZ2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ91gErievz
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1AFasPzcZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3T1gPN2cs
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjG6O3ncZa
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRe0j1hnm6
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1yiGddojW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7yM9Q7NKO
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWySN4JzJA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRMXnPk7R6
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTQJJ4eaaJ
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAd1oU2Ffi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUElSbxxC4
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcnsOaY29B
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KG3FpitE6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEOYjc0ZxW
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW87SCL3jq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCC82UDvwT
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ5OC4YXPV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz7BzjhGWX
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5tgyxu2MW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeF5Kih2kc
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nATJnOgpW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWDg3KR9np
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi5bm2C2H2
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiTC37f7Mh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurXe4f7KhD
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QmmZ7AXI6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfFljihwFg
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxxeKJDZbL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2hDCs2h3j
"Soup?" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwhXjBIYA0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOqEuuNVwc
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEw5OKDEUH
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdIpvKCAzK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfDSYOs7Aq
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0Cl6xHWGv
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mlkwuc82I
I wasn't still human, was I? 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArCbLxLv6m
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqIXZ8fd5w
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcmFnzBb8F
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcYQlG2oSo
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8Bx4UWGya
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7SIbn9XPf
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9QqR03XHb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoZx5I42eO
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kYS6XqJeW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9ZG1EKKY6
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2SDvS58f3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf3lFKZvKC
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIJGHgXSnu
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIGiOJl2ML
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3PuBkxMOQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEG76uF5g5
"Did you...?" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyncT8sVB3X
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENrZOag02D
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntMlHrlv3S
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkeKlzSzNK
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITyvHsQodN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9ItV9XdJE
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaWhbY3maz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg66Aqq5fH
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jBBELW3SN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5eHBufiCT
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPaBqIWpbt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVrdbWEcT8
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tI4WO7I6l
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErlZp5uUc2
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX44QUdJMjz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LGrWjjcyI
No. She couldn't see me here. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLgUdXXzdV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuOR0fdbxf
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ1qdi0px3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12NMCH72dN
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWnen4QAO7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE2aXhoc3Y
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbDmHB9Hs2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYG6B2JJPK
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqWYSFgbJr
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1piljc1hM
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yqbIrWA1J
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa4rWSpFfh
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcXDOn7BAQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKgcx0XK74
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV962wTVXA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zMVRhwa1X
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHqoy9hKro
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ApmH236z4
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. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6s0QkJ0ki
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcgyTiBT0A
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BxOuRMJYt
It would be how it was.
