How Bad Could You Really Be?

The demon that haunts us.

So things changed for us quickly. Was I excited? Well, of course. It was hard to believe Skye was so forgiving to me. But I was glad she was. The day we were to go see the doctor again I saw her on a ladder. I sighed before hurrying outside. I knew she had collected tufts for me before, but ever since I found out about the pregnancy I worried for her. Even though I know I shouldn't be too worried I couldn't help it. She rolled her eyes when she saw me running out. If we argued over this every day you think she'd stop doing it. But she was stubborn in that way. She climbed down the ladder and fell into me. Of course I caught her, I always would. Her smile always warmed my heart. We went to the doctor's office and for the first time we saw him. I can't even describe the feeling that washed over me. I was terrified. This thing was going to come into our lives sooner than we'd know. And it's life dependent on us. It was frightening, but there was an excitement about it. We got home and I made some lunch for us. I had a call from work. Skye cleaned the plates and told me to take care of it. I headed over to the factory. I think I was frustrating Skye because I didn't want anything to happen to her so I told her to just relax. I walked into my office. My secretary was there with some paperwork.

"Mister Onceler, these just came in for you. They are estimates for building the homes for the workers," she said.

"Thank you," I said, taking the papers, "did the foreman call?"

"No, sir, he just sent these for now. Oh, but you did get a call from your mother. I told her you would do your best to get back in touch."

"Alright. Well, I will give these a look over."

She walked out as I sat at my desk. I spun around to face the regrowing forest. The bright colors sprung up from the ground. I smiled as I flipped through the papers. There was still a part of the forest that wasn't regrown yet. We were going to build in that area. Skye felt that was a fair enough compromise. The door to the office opened and shut.

"Hello?" I asked, still reading the paperwork.

"Hey beanpole," the lorax said.

"Ah, been a little while. How are you?"

"Good, how about you two? Why didn't you tell me the news?"

"Didn't think it'd matter. I'm surprised you are still around."

"Making sure all is well."

"Things are great! I've never been happier."

"That's good, kid. I'm glad to see you doing better. Just be careful you don't lose sight of things again. I don't think she'd be happy about it."

"Yeah, I'm sure I wouldn't get another chance. Stop by anytime! I really have to finish this paperwork."

"You inviting me to stop by? Wow, you really are different," the lorax chuckled.

It wasn't that weird, was it? I never understood that guy. He left as I finished up some of the work. I stood at the large windows behind my desk. The sun was setting as I watched the workers head home. Everyone was happy. So why did I have this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I think I was worrying too much about some things. I swear I heard a rustling behind me. When I turned my head, there was nothing. I left the door open from when I ran out to Skye earlier. It was probably just the wind.

"Yeah, just the wind," I assured myself outloud.

There was no response. Why did I think there would be? The Greedler just disappeared one day. He wouldn't just pop back out of nowhere. Maybe I needed a day off. I locked up the office and headed back to see Skye. It was a long day and I could use some sleep.