TraumaGenic: A Therian Awakening

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The rising sun painted the open fields in a golden glow, waking me gently. I slid out from beneath Orion, who was curled up beside me.

The breeze was soft and calm. Suddenly, it hit me. I had fallen asleep! Mom would already be home. I was in deep trouble.

"Psst... Orion," I whispered. She burrowed deeper into the dirt and let out a low growl.

"I love you," I continued, gazing at her peacefully. I stepped back, then took off at a sprint, glancing back one last time at Orion.

***

My body tensed as my fingers wrapped around the door knob. Standing on the porch, overshadowed by two stories of concrete, I thought back to Ventalie's words: 'If we allow panic to enter ourselves, we often overlook the fact and don't see how minor a problem really is.'

I twisted the knob, inhaling sharply as I entered.

"AMELIA! I was bloody worried sick! What happened to you being grounded? I was driving by and saw your little stunt. What do you think you are, some kind of animal?! Do you identify as an animal? Look, I'm fine with you being a furry so long as you don't shove things up your butt. And what are you doing with that pedophi-"

"What?" I interrupted, feeling pointy ears emerging atop my head.

She squished up her face and continued, still bombarding me with questions:

"That thing you were with! We don't play with random kids in the forest! My god, Amelia, if you ever do this to me again, I'm going to cut your legs off!"

"Why would you call her that?" I mumbled.

Jennifer reached into her pocket and handed me an old brick, barely resembling a phone.

"I will use this to track my child," Jennifer continued, as if narrating her own TV show.

"My child will not run away again and will apologize. I love you, best mom in the world," she said, grabbing me and pulling me into a forceful hug.

"Stop it, Jennifer!" I lashed out, accidentally knocking over the candle holders. Her jaw dropped. Grabbing me by the arm, she dragged me to our rusty basement door and practically threw me in. I tumbled down the thick wooden steps and landed on the damp, moldy concrete.

"You will be invited back out when I feel like it," she motorized, locking the door behind her.

I got up, but not all the way. I stayed on all fours, finding it oddly calming. My mom wasn't just a narcissist; she was something indescribable. I wished for a reason to run away, and now I finally had one, although I was still trapped. The basement was dark, lit only by a single window at the top, with an unpleasant smell from the constant water and mold buildup. Crawling around the floor, pacing like a cat from one side to the other, I let out a small, sad meow.

***

Orion stretched out her body, yawning and getting up. She looked to her left, then to her right.

"Harlow?" Her eyes softened as she flopped back to the ground.

"Nobody ever stays," Orion sighed. She sat in silence for a while, absorbing the morning air before jumping up, sniffing the air, and trotting toward the familiar scent of old books.

She followed the trail of footprints and bookish scent until it led to an opening. It had been years since she'd even gone close to the road, and suddenly she was wandering around a massive building, looking for an entry.

***

Confusion overwhelmed me. I wasn't given a chance to apologize. What am I if perfect isn't perfection? I started to feel that unforgettable urge again, the involuntary vocalization beginning. I couldn't help but think of Orion, the rough love and optimism. Having her by my side right now? I'd like that a lot.

***

Trotting around the premises on all fours, Orion continued the search for an entryway. Among the balconies stood Jennifer. She pulled out her phone and dialed three digits...