The Life of A Shadow

chapter 2

June 19, 2006

Shadow walks home, nearly bouncing. Her private teacher told her that her grade has gone up to an A-. She got to the little house she had grown up in. She doesn't mind how small it is. It feels comfortable.
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When I get home the first thing I notice is Rose Bud outside. She's never outside unless someone leaves the door open. I pick her up, "Oh, Rosie, what are you doing?" I smile softly, remembering the day I got her.
Then a smell hit me.
My ears twiched.
I know this smell all too way.

Blood.
Not thinking I run to the source of the smell, Rose Bud still in my arms. I pause, looking around.
I look to the small grave with flowers and a stone on it. And now a body.
"NO!" I scream, not yet sure who it is. Dahlia comes out, "What is it, Dear-" she starts before screaming.
I look a little closer.
MAMA
I begin to cry hysterically. Dahlia falls where she is, crying. I walk over to her.
She holds me tight.
I hold her too. Her and Rosie are all I have I guess.
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An hour passes. Then two. Dahlia and I haven't let each other go. My sharp ears are flattened against my head.
I can't live without Mama.
Before I can even continue thinking Dahlia cups my chin, her soft skin being the comfort i can find. That is, until I look in her eyes. Soft. Gentle. Caring.

Sad.

Dahlia speaks quietly and gently, as she cuts back a sob.
"My precious Dow, it's no longer safe here. You must leave me and leave this life. Take Rosie, too. I'm afraid she favors you." She smiles gently, her eyes not mimicking the emotion. My eyes widen, shocked, "Dahlia, I-" I begin, however I'm quickly cut off, Dahlia handing me a letter.
"Mariah told me to give this to to you if something happened to her."
"Okay." I say in a hushed voice.

And without even realizing it, my life here was over and I alone.

Atleast I have Rosie