The Spiral into Madness: Scarlett's story

Chapter 7

Scarlett let out a strangled cry and buried her face in her hands. Mrs. Kathy wrapped her arms around Scarlett and tried to comfort her the best she could. "Hey, it's alright dear." She cooed, rocking Scarlett back and fourth gently. "What was your cat like?" She asked, trying to distract Scarlett from her memories. "L-loki? He's g-great. Do you want to meet him?" She sniffled, looking at who she now referred to as 'Miss'. She gave Scarlett a confused look and grabbed her hand gently. "What do you mean meet him? He's not here dear." She said softly.

Scarlett nodded and avoided eye contact with the woman. "He is. I-i've kept him hi-hidden." She murmered, playing with the strings of her hoodie. She stood up and reached a hand down towards her shadow, causing Mrs. Kathy to raise a brow. Scarlett proceeded to tear off a chunk of the shadow, and let it drop. It took on the form of a cat, landing on all fours and letting out a happy meow. It was sort of a solid, shadow-like creature. "Loki!" Scartlett called happily, causing the cat to look at her. He lept into her arms and began to purr loudly as she stroked his fur. She then turned to Mrs. Kathy, who had a look of shock on her face. Scarlett walked back over qnd sat back down on the bed next to Miss. "How... did you do that?" She asked as she outstretched a hesitant hand toward the strange cat. It bumped it's head against her hand gently, purring a little louder when Miss started to pet his ears. He was surprisingly soft, but also cold. Scarlett let out a soft laugh. "I d-don't
know. It just happens." She shrugged, answering Miss's question.
Loki then decided to crawl into her lap, causing Miss to squeak from the sudden cool feeling in her lap. Scarlett chuckled. "I think h-he likes you." She said fondly. Miss was a little confused. Scarlett was being a lot less hostile than she usually was. In fact, she seemed relaxed, and wasn't being defensive at all. She looked up to see a pleading look on Scarlett's face. "S-since you know about him now, can I k-keep him out?" She asked as Loki made his way back into her lap. "He protects me." She added, her arm jerking a little bit, causing her to bap Loki on the head. He didn't seem to care though. Miss though for a moment, watching Scarlett interact with this strange cat. It was surprising how gently this normally violent person had become towards the animal. It seemed to be doing her good. "I will have to see what the board says, but for now it should be fine." Miss decided. Scarlett smiled at Miss happily, her sharp teeth flashing. "You he-hear that Loki? You can stay out!" Scarlett said to the cat. He mowed and gave her a lick on the cheek, causing her to laugh.

Miss stood up and patted Scarlett's shoulder gently. "I have to go now, but we will talk again soon." Miss said to Scarlett. "See y-you soon Miss." Scarlett said, acknowledging her statement. Her body seized in a series of painful-looking tics for a second. Mis turned and walked to the door, placing her hand against it. "Scarlett?" She started, pausing at the door. Scarlett didn't say anything in answer, but Miss continued with what she was going to say. "You never deserved what that man did to you." She said. There still was no answer, so she walked out the door, closing and locking it behind her.