Furry Hands

9

"Hey, listen, can you come over on Wednesday the 23rd? I mean, unless you're doing something," Ryan said over the phone.

Miriam thought for a second, "The 23rd? No, I don't think I'll be busy. I can come over."

"Great," Ryan said. It was time to come clean with Miriam. He wanted to transform in front of her. He was through with hiding.

The day came and Ryan tried to pass it off as just another day. He remembered staring at the icon on his phone that said it was the 23rd. He set out chips and dip. He set the TV on 'The Bachelor,' Miriam's favorite show. For now, he had the drapes closed.

"Miriam, I really care about you, so I don't want to ever lie to you or hide from you," said Ryan.

"Oh no, this sounds like breakup talk. Are you breaking up with me?" 

"No, no, not at all. I need you to see something," he said as he pulled the drapes apart, letting moonlight into the sliding door.

Nothing happened.

"Uhh Ryan, are you okay? Are you going mental?"

Just then, the change started. Fur grew all over his body. His teeth sharpened. His shirt tore in three places. He howled at the moon.

She screamed. She ran for the drapes. At first, he resisted her. She screamed again. Then he hung his head low. She closed the drapes and the change reversed.

"You're a werewolf? Werewolves are real? Am I losing my mind?"

"This is real and this is who I am," he stared at her lovingly and longingly. "I'd understand it if you left right now."

She was terrified and totally unsure of the right thing to do. He was an amazing boyfriend. He was always sweet. He never cheated on her. But what would  the animal version of him be like? 

"Don't be silly. I love you and this doesn't change a thing. It's going to take a lot more than a furry face to drive me away."