The Tulip Code

"Her steps treaded lightly, her breathing was coerced into silence. The parcel she carried was wrapped in woven cloth, the tan fabric worn thin at the corners, seams breaking lose. If caught the consequences were unfathomable. Chee trembled in her pocket likely sensing her fear. A quavering hand reached in and stroked behind the little critter’s neck, “shh Chee,” as if the little ones tremors could be heard by anyone within the street’s earshot.
Taking extra caution not to do it damage, the bundle was tucked away inside blue micro-cloth; the zipper sealing it in-- pressing it soothingly against her abdomen. Just the though of what it contained was comforting, if only the two street lengths left could be taken at a faster stride. She longed to run, but to run would arose suspicion, and besides it was past the allotted hour. "

(Thank you Mazie for letting me use your face on the cover!)