Tremble

Chapter 2: The Discovery

15) How did humanism affect the art style of the Renaissance?

World Studies homework was no fun whatsoever. Years after Marks odd disappearance I sat at my desk managing to study for my last final. My caffeine supply remained dangerously low, and I still had to do the dishes, clean Matches litter box, and organize my closet for Summer break; before I go to bed.

Frustrated, I left to scour the kitchen for hidden goodies. I may eat my greens, but no one takes away my chocolate chip cookies.

I do not live in a mansion, but I don't live In a shack either. Hidden away in the back roads of West Virginia I live in a two bedroom, two bathroom cottage like home; paradise to me.

"CRASH!"

The oriental vase lay in shatters on the ground.

"Matches come here right now!" I hollered

The tabby kitten darted out of the pantry, clearly pleased with himself.

"Now Matches we don't knock things down, so don't climb on the counter anymore, okay." I said calmly.

Oblivious to my instructions, he continued to lick his paw, and leaped right onto the kitchen table. I gave up trying to teach him an obedience lesson, cats ruled the world, and I just had to accept that. Although I don't regret the day we received him as a gift from our departing neighbors a few months back. The Marion family had decided to move in with distant family in California, for no reason whatsoever. Due to the fact these relatives did happen to be allergic to cats, Matches had to go to someone. I loved him on sight, his fluffy black fur, and brilliant peridot eyes begged for cuddles.

Granola bar in one hand, and cup of milk in the other, I plopped down onto the couch. I picked up my dad's discarded newspaper and read the headline:

Food Robbers Have Still Not Been Discovered

Really?, I thought, the police have been on the case for weeks.

Seven weeks ago people started to complain to the police office that small amounts of food was taken from their homes for the last couple of days. Not enough to make them starve, just enough to make the situation inconvenient. In my opinion it could just be a series of small, harmless pranks.

Dismissing my train of thought, I bounded down the stairs ready to get my chores over with. Even if it is ten 'o' clock at night no one can hear my racket. My parents left on different business trips, and there are no neighbors around for five miles, so I can do what I like. The solitude is greatly appreciated when I have loads of homework to do.

"THUMP!"

"Matches!" I called out.

The tabby cat peeked his head around the corner, opposite the direction of the sound. Confused I slipped on some house shoes and unlocked the back door. I stared into the woods, adjusting my eyes to the dark veil in front of me.

"Hello?" I called out.

Stupid. I should just invite a serial killer for tea. I searched in front of me for movement, there had been something out here I knew it. Then just as I began to turn back inside, I caught a glimpse of grey eyes, starting at me in the dark. The robberies! Small alarms went off in my head, telling me to call the police. Yet, I didn't make one move toward my phone, but toward the figure.before I could take another step he, or she, darted off into the woods. Like an idiot, I followed. I guess curiosity got the best of me.

After what seemed like twenty minutes of heavy sprinting there was no sign that the figure was even close to my house. Confused, and defeated, I returned home.

Finals week finished, and I left my first year of high school, showing of a 4.2 GPA. The incident with the figure that night was pushed to the back of my mind.