I stood in the almost pitch darkness of the hallway, looking toward the kitchen. The ceiling lights were on, as were a couple of under the counter ones too, but other than that I couldn't see anything. I felt frozen in time and space. My heart beating a hole in my chest the size of Utah, the sweat running down my face like the mighty Mississippi on a race to the Gulf, and my bare feet (I forgot my slippers so sue me), on the bare hardwood floor felt cold and clammy. I was cold and clammy.
I stood looking, not moving and afraid to and saw and heard nothing. Absolutely NOTHING. But why are the lights on? What were the noises I've heard? Imagination? I don't think so. Not even mine is that audibly good.
Wait, was that a car, in the driveway?
I strained, but again my attempts to listen were met with icy silence. What in the FUCK is going on
...and where IS Kiki? Cats are notoriously
anti-social but he usually isn't around me. Did the intruders maybe kill him? OH MY GOD, no
...and suddenly, I started to cry. The thought of his mangled body tossed aside, my baby, my Kiki, my
varmit and
yes he is
one but GODDAMNIT he is MY
varmit, thank you.
What will I do? Now? Without
...and I started sobbing...
The intense fear and dread of the last ten minutes or so taking their toll, (the Bat in my hands not giving me any solace or comfort for some odd reason, maybe because I was never a good batter and will probably hit some priceless heirloom and pieces will ricochet off the walls and strike me in the temple and I will slump to the floor
...ADORABLY of course
...geez)
and I kinda lost it for a minute, just as I felt something at my feet.
Something.
.Yes, or someone.
"KIKI," and I reached down to where he was winding around my legs and doing a nibble routine of sorts in the process. I hugged him (which he hates) and kissed him (which he barely tolerates) and told him I loved him and would have extra food for him (which he loves and if you ever want to get his attention, offer FOOD. Works every time).
Ok, that answers that
question but the noises? Not him and no Kiki didn't turn on the lights either.
I stood still, trying to hear or see or discern what was going on, but...
the house, even this old house which is notorious for creaking lay silent as a sinner caught drunk
inside a church during
high holy week and boy is that a bummer if you have ever done that. WHO ME?
Merthee no. Ok, maybe once (or so).
ANYWAY, no sound
no anything and I was perplexed.
Suddenly out of the shadows...
I thought I saw...
but...
no.
I turned toward the foyer and after catching my breath and senses (yeh right) went careening toward the living room and there was an eerie glow beyond the large archway
...which I took to be one of the lamps on low. It seemed strangely welcoming and I took that as a positive sign, and made a beeline for the large and airy room.
_____________________________
CONTINUE HERE FOR CHAPTER 3
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