Kat Tails

Meeting the Neighbors

I wake up way too early, around 5:30am, and try to fall back asleep. After failing to do so for half an hour, I decide to stretch and stand up. I open my door and silently pad down the hallway, peeking into Dad's bedroom. He's sound asleep, so I go back to my bedroom to slip on a pair of jeans and a grey sweat-shirt. While changing, I notice something missing. My tail! It's gone! I can't wait to tell Dad, but I won't wake him up for it. The fact that the darn tail is gone puts a little spring in my step, though.

I need some time alone to collect myself. The events that were put in motion just five days ago seem to be crashing into me, dragging me down. I try not to be the emotional type, but when I'm alone, I let everything out to keep from exploding with what I bottle up inside. I only ever cry when I'm alone.

I brush my hair and grab a granola bar before opening the door and walking outside. The cool air nips at my face, and I'm glad I'm wearing a sweatshirt. Spring isn't entirely here yet, and it's still dark, barely a hint of light to the east. I take a leisurely stroll on the sidewalk connecting all the buildings, chowing on the granola bar. I wish there was a bench or something to watch the sunrise, but I don't see any. I continue walking around; exploring this strange place I now lived in. Taking my mind off of what the future may hold to look at what's right in front of me.

Along the fence, I notice a hill that's just a bit taller than the surrounding forest's trees, perfect to catch the sun's first rays. I guess being a morning person does have its benefits....

I walk off the sidewalk and start trekking up the hill, plopping down at the top, ignoring the dew on the sparse grass. It feels so peaceful, sitting here by myself on this hill. I don't mind being alone, I actually prefer it at times like this. I sit and reflect on the past few days, letting the tranquility of the sun gradually inching above the horizon clear my mind as I make sense of everything. I start a mental list, trying to organize my thoughts.

Things I Know:

1- I'm half human, half Esathe

2- I'm living in a secret government facility... How cliché does that sound? Jeez

3- Dad is human

4- Aliens are real... I sound like one of those crazy hobos...

5- I might be hunted down by vengeful killing creatures called 'Hunters'

6-I have school tomorrow

Okay, it seems I do know a good amount of what's going on. That's comforting. But what do I need to find out?

Things I Don't Know:

1- If I can fully morph

2- If the Hunters will/can catch me

3- What future options there are for 50% humans

4- What kind of kids will be at this school

5- Why Dad isn't explaining why the Hunters want me in particular...I mean, why bother chasing one kid all over America?

6- If zebras are white with black stripes or black with white stripes

Maybe the last one didn't really fit the theme, but if there's a list of questions, it should be on it. Putting everything on a list helps me out, I feel a little less stressed having it all laid out. That is, until I think about school tomorrow. From what I gathered, there are about 50 kids at the school. I'm guessing they don't get new kids very often, and I sooo don't look forward to being the latest novelty.

It's almost 7am, and the sun's starting to rise in earnest now, not just tease the horizon.

"Mind if I join you?" a voice asks from behind, startling me. I whip around and mentally berate myself for letting the sunrise distract me so much.