drabblegrrl

He peered in through the screen door, looking up.

She reached up, standing on her tippy toes, making cute little struggling sounds. Finally, she accomplished the cookie jar, pulling it to herself with a grating, glass-on-steel sound that sent shivers down her spine. She giggled.

He thrilled in the sound. It reminded him of Home.

Oblivious, she opened the jar. Digging, she searched for the chocolate ones, and pulled a handful out with a triumphant noise. The smell of chocolate filled her little nose and she involuntarily inhaled deeply.

He thrilled in the scent. He’d never experienced such before.

Suddenly, she noticed him. His tiny black eyes blinked at her, his muscles tensed for the inevitable scream and ensuing flight. No scream came; instead, she crouched down and regarded him seriously. Without a word, she opened the door and invited him in.

He entered.

She offered a cookie. He accepted.

They sat on the floor together, quietly sharing cookies and crumbs.

She lay on the street. It was a quiet moment, no cars. The stars shone brightly above her, far above, twinkling in the dark night. Her bright blue eyes stared up.

The street was colder than she’d expected. Hard under her softness. She fiddled with the zipper on her bright blue hoodie and stared up at the stars.

She stretched her toes out in her bright blue socks. She covered only a small part of the yellow line; she’d been surprised to find how long they were. They were so short when she drove so fast.

She glanced over at her bright blue car, parked serenely on the shoulder. She could hear cars in the distance.

She loved him with all her heart, but he knew nothing of it.

He loved her with every breath, but she had no idea.

They were running together, running in fear from the lion. He was close behind them; if they tumbled, they were his. Terror fueled their bodies, giving them the strength to run further, faster, beyond their limitations.

They reached the house. The lion’s roar reached their ears, his terrible paws thu-thumping on the wooden porch. She reached the door first, throwing it open and dashing through. She turned to slam the door and saw her beloved, saw the lion so close behind, and knew that to save him was to sacrifice herself.

She did so, gladly.

She threw herself into the lion as her love rushed past.

The lion, declawed and fangless, curled around her and nuzzled her.