222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfrLNcO2oU
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAakH1VHyck
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYPiIPZMzI
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUFJ15SlPJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFmU60oqGt
Last time was a crumpled can stuffed with plucked wildflowers. I could do better this time. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIFnnzm0uG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaoUOI7mZc
My hunt turned up an empty paper cup still with the plastic lid and straw attached. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQUUSB8pDn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAkYaKuSgF
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaTPQSUPnQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡangYFT7urb
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGTFcEEfxm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQXWKWfFDr
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB6guRkPJn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7EYaEy97N
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtHDLp5f7V
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG9XJhW7xo
Would she like it? Should I make more? 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6egdSLxVHS
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm87YXpcM3T
I scanned the roadside to see a bottlecap embedded into the gravel there. There was a plastic bag further to my right. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmwUCroXNd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIVP6B7E9m
One would do then. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qcsUD3NI4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoygUvVBBEr
Bartie was already there when I made my travel with the straw gently gripped around my teeth. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5RBhMBx5Y
He held a magazine today that was folded on the crossword page. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVibYsYFQZQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTUpintpb6
"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?" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyr4CxwFnX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIPziB3B9v
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYiffYpwvB
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFWJmcnmOe
She was going somewhere. She never wore that red jacket any other time. It was her best one. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDRDkRcK8j
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qHNGgn1Sg
I raced along the tracks towards her and watched as she wheeled out her scooter to haul up the stand. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4NLl0dXcz
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfb28iYsAx
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCciZHmcSW0
"I've got to go" she apologised through her saddened tone "It’s not much, but I think it should be delicious."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54t9ZJ698C
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZYsClsHEW
Wasn't she taking any for herself? The crate was only filled with parcels again. She didn't have room to fit food. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaVz2kqHJA
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ7T5iXpC4
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgh5ovk63H
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL16G784SV
"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?" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv5pvWIzZk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrH4fzPzwy
No. It was only for you to enjoy. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezVjyKFY3D
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d1HL4e0ug
"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!" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYhLb9oawI
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjeG6xtMLc
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUXQBXkyhX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfU1kCKCrd
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIFBnhhqYk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf5VzP0x4y
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGh89KXBiX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34SCeUqbWx
Her figure fumbled with her parcels and the flower before jumping aboard with only mere moments to spare. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgYbaRu1l9
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFGY4goDXh
The train blared its horn then peeled from the station to quickly gather speed past the house. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQwWKBrNBI
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW4HV6scib
Missy slammed open a window, waving out to me. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSjdSwmzmN
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfFNJgqH5r
"I'll see you tonight, Soup!" she called out "sorry!" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9gpIX2x56
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqEIduekqs
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RYczqQq9S
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5einHODjf
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA92oIQsQhk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h58oqxtAM
Not her best. She must have put everything into that nice one last night. It was a compromise she was willing to take. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgdT1WndsK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WVqWb96Pv
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? 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUIhUbgoWg
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE318IxFVE
I peered back to the house she had left in a hurry instead.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmJrpertX9
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjKrpCWWJO
She'd benefit more if I prepared something for her to come home to. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjWvX5nuJx
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYiUlVOQAT
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkz7Sc7EXzV
A stretch, but a believable one. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vzVcMO3E0
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5FQLjTJvG
I knew Missy didn't have locks on her windows. I could climb through the kitchen one and start there. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGgntxddSt
She always locked her front and back doors. There was no use trying that. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWCqQzMAj6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDmppApM5a
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUaMM6MNm5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYcS2ZGIHW
After managing to unfold myself from the kitchen bench, I stood there to grimace at the mess left behind. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxItWkGniYC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXTJK6KOK2
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YCPiw8ie5
Utensils littered the cold water I dipped my claws into, and splatters of soup were still speckled across the oven behind me. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvggzDvtUw
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeyjMcHoxK
She'd be so pleased she wouldn't have to tackle this when she got back in her exhausted state. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhwL8MeWxQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ314p5kwygN
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8RxjIFfJ8
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsC8vXaura
I shivered in anticipation at the thought of warm water and soothing soap sliding over my skin. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXLhhGf4Ip
It was a luxury I hadn't had since I decided to live like this. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlITQ0QueV
People weren't exactly throwing bars of soap or bathtubs on the side of the road either. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZfFWzsgmt
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlNS7x0gLR
Finding the shower was easy in her little home with barely any rooms within it. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc34ve9ajF
The kitchen and loungeroom beside it were one combined area by the front door. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwZ1rIUqyU
The door to the left was her sewing room. The one beside that was her bedroom. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg5TltjRkm
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.
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKIFyvVG2m
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcvI9omtdZ
I didn't know how dirty I was until I reformed my skin and stepped into the warmth billowing clouds of heat around me. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBpTxA6nQT
The water ran like mud from my body I scrubbed at and slathered with all sorts of food-scented products. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh34A8Nl6H5
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHUk8427Qf
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuk3e3DpOF
Missy didn't own any clothing that would fit me, and I wasn't about to go digging through her belongings to make sure. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIYNNZLszj
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaImQRy2978
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK479gA3VL
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV4v2hN1jd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpzYbiQGOg
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8WSuUE46K
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QXWOYyffu
Her couch in the living room had the crushed blanket on it refolded and draped in the middle. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWC51YsQzK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEbu3paCIA
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM4H6Iokmk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kiyekldaX
The back door was thrown open to let through the fresh breeze and filter out the stale air. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzKQrYCx59
It swept through the home and back out the windows I peeled up to help move the positive energy through the home. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OkGZhddqs
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF6tYZUSJA
The garden a few steps from the back stairs was looking choked with weeds. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoynxgrbLh
I snatched up the basket at the backdoor and headed for the rows of vegetables drooping under the sunlight. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZAborKeZq
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFqCj4i5JW
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3tuWYZCQh
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrCth1AiJZ
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtfVvH5Ff1
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7aLn3xKLZ
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DwxLGaCD0
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqkIWain15
Looked like rabbits. I'd have to deal with them before she baited them and tainted their meat. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEz7bcvb1v
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3vQMW5B30
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXTzU1gQr1
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkVmFlhNkC
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO0Jv5sA2U
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tx9BW4YOr
The stove clicked and snapped to life to steadily boil the soups I poured into the pot over it. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84M8ndp4d3
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbseyfWh5ti
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IlD5cNKgS
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCK3WFVaoH
Music thumped through the silence when I stepped back to admire my work. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbvsk2zfdh
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLYXFbGpcm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKqky2Vhzg
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4aXlEyF4m
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtLojqWcdl
Saving the soup from the heat, I poured myself a steaming bowl and nestled into her couch to enjoy a job well done. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGSfjJSY1J
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxQgkpLy7C
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnV3xCobzW
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkfxeS3rer
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT6uE5kK1F
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9DflbnRaZ
I smiled around my spoon, savouring every bit of warmth slipping over my tongue. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbStNPStnD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1he4foHbPw
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2xPeRRHCp
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAJamZJrTQ
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcisTWu7b8i
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAND04Bp2Rw
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn4PlSBTV2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupIvNJPZ5p
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GvRkDrGQZ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr24LdlZ8Q
Missy usually never sold her dresses. I was expecting disappointment that I couldn't chase away. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl6RbYCDPG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvaNrrkcOY
"One day, Soup" I muttered to myself between another spoonful I gazed down at. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLnR3yp9Is
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBANJTw1IN
A droning outside caught my attention and lifted my head from the bowl I cupped. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0p5lDkS2g
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLqRCld5k9
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiVOX3iZ2d
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdlqckI9tj
Was it that time already?222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QUxdXAUdp
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDVx96r7rZ
I wasn't expecting her home yet. The night sky was darkened outside and already starting to poke its stars through the rippling sky. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikmO8pNR2k
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8msjcy9X8
Missy was in her way. I could hear her scooter whining for rest. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc4YapMFQk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YrT8XKuUZ
Slamming the windows shut, I glanced around for anything else I had left out of place. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHAhaijwhd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvZ6qvRKqE
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSPtorMHsX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtJkgONcKm
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagESQ9iyZ5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS932axaFiu
Did I have time to clean the pot? What about my bowl? 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYGQ3hsUCV
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQud53zgaKS
The scooter was getting closer and making my heart hammer in panic. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngnkXCurVN
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd72lv0dz69
I couldn't be seen here. Not like this. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6Ai0OiSjs
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo1yuFV0Gb
Scrubbing frantically at the bowl, I managed to rub it clean and toss it into the cupboard with the rest. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ35VXz4cQ
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjywTJgsFuu
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5agUsthLW
Dropping the pot clumsily, I bolted for the back door. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlqXqznUs4
I only stopped when I realised that the radio was still singing out as Missy leaned her scooter up in the front yard. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUzAMPZ6Fe
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW97YuOB6l
Dashing back, I snapped the radio off and was scurrying for the back door while frantic feet hurried for the front. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXuXMgNQPj
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ4RQyte2v
I hid behind the door I closed behind me, trying to catch my breath that had escaped me in my desperate state. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKFa8ugLGb
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8al4m02hs
"Hello?" Missy called out when she stepped inside "is someone there?" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJB0roAHIq
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkUEazXRex
She had heard the radio. Maybe she had heard me too? I hadn't exactly been silent in my rampage to remain unseen. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0GLGPncJY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGQJzNkale
Her rushing feet barrelling for the back door told me she had. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNwWEjoFio
I jolted from it, squatting in the dirt as I tore at my skin that dropped the towel at my trembling feet. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXY77166pp
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLQ6uiKlZC
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77Ui0hp0zJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnGrQUcZXR
I had forgot to turn them off. My heart dropped at my overlooked mistake that was so blatantly obvious. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWNjN9lxiq
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97vKNEO800
"Soup?" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf08ZcMRLP
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIArMhcWFZ
I didn't say anything. I was too busy trying to catch my breath without making it obvious I was struggling. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYCnJlMBOZ
I was surprised she couldn't hear my heart hammering in my throat as I tried to swallow it back down. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIACnYZvKR
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpyeQbe912
Her brown eyes didn't leave mine. They were flooded with worry and doubt. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoCW3HYz1n
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaXzvgeEvQ
I wasn't still human, was I? 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LeSnpxUGf
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzggM0vh01a
Quickly, I scanned my hands to see claws in the place of nails. They pricked at my teeth that were shattered into points. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOqcQodq6j
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnAvooDxNG
Missy looked back into the house with a frown, holding a thumb to it. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qTzqMkowj
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiWmVa18Dg
"Was that..." she hesitated, checking again "...you?" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJLkU7mhs2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGIdPY7TS1
She wasn't sure. All she could do was check the cleaned house then cock her head back at me. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLS2iOq8Cf
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPwUxrKquD
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1goODeWK5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJis2idM4Re
She was milling over her own silent conclusions, and I didn't like it. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7crY5Hu6AF
She looked at me different. Her eyes probed for answers she didn't want. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlInMehvA8
She swallowed and tried to steady her voice that wavered when it came out at barely a whisper. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzOTh49byY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTbzOw2ly8
"Did you...?" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxnxoCfTma
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsoaqSfR9I
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3s240rWLt
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmDrBjpete
I had made it so obvious in my hope not to see the repercussions. It was meant to fall on someone else, not me. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZSMlLtR16
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIRl3WNZGz
I wasn't meant to be here. I couldn't be here. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrSkIzbCza
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7LN2J4kSZ
I had to get out. I didn't want to see her fear flitting at me or listen to the way her breathing trembled. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pVte3U3cT
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO29FpHCesu
The front door was still open in Missy's pursuit for her intruder. I'd go for that. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNm4KaruId
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx7qnEfvzg
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdWFmbr7Br
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoChu9bGHbX
"Soup!" she called out, arm outstretched. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRghfEUB1Pr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNit0DJW7yU
No. She couldn't see me here. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HFdRN7gml
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01uptDFkFp
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ536GhWM7MO
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVCzXJO9WG
Missy gripped the fence, scanning blindly with tears in her eyes. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSzINF4HPG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMsX5WRJ3V
"Soup!" her voice called, shaking "wait! You don't have to go!" 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnM0y4kxOr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzTutrz2n8
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try and stifle the sob that slipped through. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd2U5yEemb
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRBGiLsiFg
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoiIdhe1rg
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnveZKPHvO
I moved, turning for the safety of the East. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVK1eWGs0F
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eWpsxJkES
"Soup?" Missy sniffled at the rustling of the grass, her head lifting in my direction. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJcW1oiNU0
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYSFRmA2KS
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z2X3xykPV
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAaJeXOydz
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. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcaGfBDlcq
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjbrQbEaAg
I'd love her silently and she would dream of bright futures where everyone wore her dresses. 222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwRGK8t6Dd
It would be how it was.
