RandomArtHQ

Talia's eyes fluttered for a second before snapping open. They darted over to the pillow still propped up beside her and she immediately jumped into high alert. It was empty. She started to sit up so she could throw herself out of bed, but when her gaze drifted over to the bedside table her frenzy petered out. Spencer's tool bag was gone too. 'He's already awake,' she surmised after letting out a calmer exhale. 'He made the choice to leave.' Guilt turned over in her stomach like she was going down a steep hill. She had a lot to answer for and there was no time to waste. Sliding her bare feet into a pair of slippers Talia drew a blanket around her shoulders like a shawl and quickly left the room. When Spencer wasn't waiting in the kitchen she changed course over to the curio cabinet. There was no way for her to know if he was actually in there or even awake without barging in, but she didn't know where else to look for him. Whatever the outcome it was worth taking the risk.

PROMPT 82). "You know I trust you, right?" Lightening streaked across the sky, illuminating every shadow in sight in the darkness of night. It was a momentary relief from stumbling around blind, but it was the earth-shattering thunder that followed that was unbearable. The rain pounded the ground like angry fists against an assailant. Puddles the size of lakes formed in yards and drowned drains along the sidewalk. It was a perfect summer storm. It was a shame that not everyone enjoyed this kind of weather. Then again, who could enjoy it when they were trudging through it? Was it because he was out in it? No. Was it because he was alone and on edge? No. Matt certainly hated this weather. He had always despised storms, ever since he was a child. There was just something so menacing about every natural phenomenon and disaster; Matt couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to enjoy it. He especially despised it because every splash of the rain soaked him from head to toe, impacting his body like a prodding, human finger. Matt was a pet, a miniature biological construction humans created to emulate being human without providing them rights and simple liberties. Even though every pet possessed sentience, they were deemed lesser beings and sold off like the common guinea pig at the pet stores. Matt had been to many homes in his past, causing trouble now and then, but he had finally done it. He had escaped. The little boy who insisted on playing soldier with him had forgotten to clamp the lock completely shut on Matt’s cage, and it took no time at all for the six inch tall humanoid to slip out of the cage, shimmy down the desk he was on using the few pieces of functional Army equipment he could find, and made a mad dash for the front door just in time for the father to come home. Though Matt’s skill was in intellect, thriving in literature and history, the skills he gained in the short time of playing soldier were already coming in handy. His stealth and agility had increased dramatically, giving him the chance of escaping to the outside world. Matt dared not stay inside the house, lest he be found by that intimidating child. Still, outside wasn’t a long-term viable solution either. The raging storm was preferable to the child, but just barely. Matt half sped-walked, half jogged along the sidewalk, dodging raindrops and puddles, unsure of where he was going next. What he did know was he was done. He was done being a pet. He was done playing by rules he didn’t help create. He was just done. Matt didn’t want to go back into a cage, but he certainly didn’t want to try and survive outside. His current skillset wouldn’t get him through the rest of the week. Was there even a way he could have a compromise of both? He didn’t know. What he did know was that he would drown in this torrential rain if he didn’t find cover soon. The pet glanced around, eyes squinting in the spattering rain, as he tried to gain his bearings. His original home was nowhere in sight, but it was obvious he was still in the same neighborhood. The houses all had yards which looked miles long, but they weren’t very wide; that is, for human standards. Unable to see very far, Matt made the only logical decision he could, which was to walk toward the first house he spotted with a completely dark interior. If the inside was dark, it meant no one was awake and it would make his entry into the residence ideal. Sure enough, there was a place two houses away that stood still and silent. There were no lights on and, what was even better, the exterior was made of brick rather than vinyl, meaning he could get a good enough grip to climb the exterior of the home. He jogged along and was almost there by the driveway when two, blinding headlights appeared from behind and zoomed past, splashing the contents of the road puddles over him like a tidal wave. Matt tried to regain his footing, but the water was like the clumsy fingers of the child he just left, and he was pulled away from the edge of the sidewalk right beside the yard gutters. Unlike the drainage gutters on the side of the road, which were practically overflowing and unable to empty, the yard gutters emptied into the neighborhood pond, and the water was raging like hungry rapids. Heart pounding out of his chest in a numbing panic, Matt grappled with the water and thrashed around, trying to grab onto the blades of grass in hopes of stopping himself. The short blades of grass cut at his hands as he failed to keep hold on any of them. His unprepared lungs started burning with what little air filled them. Tumbling and tossing through the water, it was clear there was nothing to grab onto now. Matt lunged with all his strength and kicked off of something solid, launching him in a random direction. Thankfully, that direction was up. Head breaking the surface, Matt was able to take in a single, life-saving breath as he spotted the gaping maw of the drainage pipe ahead. Matt remembered reading something about currents dragging people out to sea and that, to survive, a person needed to swim sideways. It was the only option at this point. The pet thrashed in the water, not being a proficient swimmer, and tried to make it to the edge. He was almost there, but two more passing cars sent a wall of water taller than him crashing down into the yard gutters. He gulped down a mouthful of water by mistake, expelling what precious air was in his lungs. By some miracle, Matt was tossed onto the other side of the stream, but not far enough to make it to safety. Losing strength, Matt reached out with what felt like the last of his strength and, to his surprise, latched onto the metal rim of the gaping hole of the pipe. Also, to his surprise, Matt was near the surface and able to take a quick gasp of air before the water crested over his head again. Matt’s body was engulfed entirely by the water again, and his grip was failing. There was a horrid, sinking feeling in his chest. It was a thought that occurred frequently for the pet, and it was this: they – pets – were not made for this world. It was too big. It was too much. Wanting something as great, as big, as freedom was too much for a little pet like him. Fingers sliding off of the edge of the metal pipe, burning as it cut further into his already injured hands, Matt fought to hold the last of his breath, determined to stay conscious until the end when the water broke again. The relief of sucking in a partial breath of air was immediately replaced by the current sweeping him into the darkness of the tunnel. Blind and breathless, Matt tumbled through the metallic tube, knocking against the ridged edges and scraping against the limbs wedged in the tube. Matt felt his body limply being dragged through the rapids before his body slammed into another hard surface. The last of his air escaped his lungs; however, to his complete amazement, his lungs sucked in air and not water as he gasped for air. Instinctually, his body wretched and the water in his lungs spewed out of his mouth and nose. The pet rolled onto his side and continued to cough and vomit up the unwanted water from his body. It wasn’t until his body calmed that allowed his body to stop tensing that he realized something. There was something off about the surface he was on, specifically because it curved to fit his body and possessed a warmth of its own. Matt forced his eyes open and, instantly, his heart sank, and the tension returned to his body. The surface was warm and flexible because it was the hand of a human. The distinct swirl of the person’s fingerprints was clear now in his blurry vision. Minutes. His freedom could be measured in minutes and now he was back in the captive clutches of a human. He looked directly in front of him at the churning water in the drainage ditch of the yard. Was it worth jumping back into the water and risk drowning again? Just to get away? He lost his chance in a moment as the human stood slowly from crouching, their other hand coming up to form a partial dome over him and the fingers of the hand he was on curling upward, forcing him into the human’s palm. Matt turned around indignantly and glared with what distain he could muster at the human holding him. Immediately, he met the gaze of a young woman with big, blue eyes. Her hood was up, but he could still make out a mess of curly blond hair under the pale green raincoat. She seemed to be staring at him expectantly, and Matt thought about saying something, but a streak of lightening followed by the cacophonous crash of thunder. Anything he would have said would have been drowned out by the voice of the sky, so he kept quiet instead, locking his jaw and staring at the woman venomously. After a moment, the woman nodded and walked forward, keeping her hands level. It surprised Matt to see her fingers remain splayed rather than pinching or grabbing his torso. What was even more surprising was the girl walked immediately to the unlit house he planned on infiltrating moments before being washed away. Matt continued to sit as he watched the woman fish out some keys from her pocket, slip them into the lock, and push herself inside just as another crack of thunder tore through the sky. Despite the raging storm, the woman seemed unbothered by how loud everything was. This, however, was the least of his concerns. He could actually care less about the human woman who was holding him. What the pet cared about was getting away as fast as possible. Being held was less than desirable on any given day, especially now. The woman reached over with her free hand that Matt wasn’t sitting in and flicked the switch. No light. She tried the next one. No light. “Power is out,” informed Matt snarkily. The woman sighed and walked through the entryway and over to a cabinet near the refrigerator. Slightly struggling with just her one hand, she began rummaging through the contents of the cabinet. This gave Matt enough time to readjust in her hand and peered over the edge. There was a countertop about a foot below the hand he was in. “You could put me down you know.” The woman didn’t acknowledge him and continued searching for something. Matt rolled his eyes. Great. Another human who won’t listen to me. Another arrogant piece of work who will baby and toy with me. Brilliant. “Hey, wouldn’t it be better to put me on the larger counter? Looks like there are some emergency flashlights over there,” suggested Matt. Still, no response. She wasn’t even looking at him! Instead, and seemingly finding what she was looking for, the girl pulled out a white rectangular kit and pulled it from the depths of the cabinet. She then carefully turned and set the box down on the countertop in the middle of the kitchen. Even more perfect! In the middle of the room where I can’t get away! Matt watched the woman turn only now and pull two of the emergency flashlights out of the wall with one hand and turned them on, shining them up onto the ceiling so soft, white light reflected off of the white paint. Carefully, she lowered the hand Matt was sitting on until the back of her hand rested on the countertop. Matt, in a flash, rolled off her hand and stood at his full height. Only now did she look at him once again, her big blue eyes absorbing his form. Her big blue eyes were thoughtful, and it felt like she could look right through him. Matt didn’t like it one bit. Moving slowly, the woman crouched as her eyes shifted from his arms to his legs to his torso, then back to his face. Once again, she seemed to be staring at him expectantly. Matt kept his body rigid and dared to take a step forward when he felt a sudden, burning sensation shoot up his leg. He winced and suddenly noticed the scrapes, cuts, and splinters through the torn fabric of his clothes. The dim light was enough to see that the puddle of water that had formed around him was discolored, taking on a reddish, pinkish hue. Blood. It wasn’t enough to be alarming or worried, but it was still an immediate problem. Matt wanted to get a better view of his injuries, but he didn’t want to undress in front of this woman either. He had been forced to endure dressing and undressing for the pleasure of his “owners” one too many times already. Then again, he might not have a choice. In his peripheral vision, he saw fingers inching toward him, hovering a few inches above the counter and approaching him slowly. No. Matt glared up venomously and took a step back, fists clenched and raised in self-defense, as if punching an oncoming finger would make it stop. “Don’t touch me!” he shouted loudly. This combination of actions seemed to get the woman’s attention, and suddenly her eyes were intently focused on his mouth. Her hand stopped moving forward and, unbelievably, retracted a few inches away. She bit her lower lip and remained concentrated on every subtle change in his features. Matt couldn’t believe it for a moment. Had he just startled her? Or was this her listening? With nothing to lose, he shouted again. “Leave me alone, got it?” he asked. The woman once again remained focused on his lips. Her eyes squinted, a puzzled look locking her features into a quizzical expression. Her eyes darted over to the white kit with the red cross on it as she gestured to his body with the hand that was closest to him. “I can handle it. I can patch myself up. I don’t need your help. Your hands are too big, and I don’t want you touching me. Got it?” The woman watched his face intently before her eyes widened. She bit her lip awkwardly. Matt’s heart started thumping harder against his ribs, making his ears ring. Had he said too much? Was she angry now? She didn’t look angry. The woman reached over to the white kit and opened it, splaying it on its side to reveal all of the bandages, patches, and salves inside. A single role was enough to wrap Matt like a mummy; and, for that instant, he wondered if she was about to bind him up so he couldn’t move. This didn’t happen. Instead, the woman placed a loose fist on her chest and rubbed her chest clockwise a few times before holding up one finger and leaving the room entirely. Matt’s stomach turned in knots, feeling like he had been flipped upside down and dropped, as he watched this woman leave the room. Did she just listen? Or is she getting something else? Oh no… what if she’s getting a cage? No. Not again. Not today. Despite his sliced palms and bodily injuries, Matt walked over to the edge and peered over. There was nothing to grab onto. He looked back at the medical kit. Was there something in there he could use? Matt walked back over to the opened container and rummaged through the packages that were nearly the length of his leg. Tweezers. Tape. Rolls of gauze. Safety pins. There were other things, but there were already some promising items. Sadly, he had only begun to pull the gauze out when he heard the padding footsteps of the woman returning. His stomach churned again as his head throbbed. She was coming back! Why? Why couldn’t he just be left to his own devices? What was worse was that he heard someone speaking. No! She’s bringing someone else out here to gawk at me. He could hear part of the conversation as the voice got closer, but only one side of it. “Slow down, will you? Yes! Slower walking and slower talking. You found someone outside? And you just brought him in? Were you not watching ‘Forensic Files’ with me? This is exactly how we get ki-” The woman stepped into the room and Matt suddenly understood why the voice was quiet. One hand was cupped and, crouched in the palm of her hand, was pet. Her other hand was free and was pointing and making different gestures. While Matt didn’t understand what each individual gesture meant, he knew what it meant for the woman. She was deaf. The sickening taste of bile rose in his throat. This woman got a specialized pet to be her translator? Some kind of therapy pet? He could only guess what that mean for him and what was going to happen next. In the meantime, the pet, also a woman, leaned over the edges of the woman’s fingers and stared hard at Matt before turning back and gesturing to be set down on the countertop. The human woman grinned and made a few gestures, which caught the pet’s eye. The pet rolling her eyes, she turned back to her human and nodded while gesturing and speaking out loud. “Yes, yes. I know you’re smarter than that. You wouldn’t just let some rando in the house.” The pet turned and stepped off of the human’s hand. She was just a little shorter than Matt and had sharp, narrow features. Her dark brown hair looked like it had a reddish hue in the dim flashlight glow, but Matt could easily make out the pet’s hazel-brown eyes. The pet grinned and glanced back at the human to finish a different, snarky remark. “At least, you wouldn’t bring a human sized rando into the house.” The human rolled her eyes and gestured to Matt, who had backed up involuntarily five steps at this point. The pet readjusted her shirt and booty shorts, nodded, and looked back to Matt, speaking and signing at the same time. “Sorry about that. I was half asleep when she came in and woke me up. I guess introductions are in order. I’m Nivea. Gargantia over there is Kaylee. Wave ‘hi’ Kaylee,” said Nivea. The human woman, Kaylee, smiled hesitantly and waved. “Figures,” muttered Matt. “They always get what they want.” “Wow, you’re friendly, and beat up. What happened to you? Rough and tumble with a lawn mower?” asked Nivea, a cheeky smirk planted firmly in the corner of her mouth. When Matt scowled at her instead, Nivea shrugged and dismissed her statement with a wave of her hand. “Don’t answer that. Now, come on. Loosen up. You’re safe. Let’s get you cleaned up and bandaged.” Nivea went to move forward just as Matt took a few more deliberate steps backward. “I don’t need your help. Neither of you,” he spat. Nivea, still speaking and signing, retreated those few steps she had taken forward. “Woah, easy there buddy. We’re not the bad guys here. We’re just trying to patch you up,” Nivea replied, glancing back at Kaylee. “I don’t need help from a human or her pet. I’m done, you hear me? Done,” stated Matt angrily. At this, Nivea folded her arms across her chest and put her weight onto one leg, a disbelieving look on her face. Matt bristled at her confrontational stance, but was surprised to hear what she had to say next. “Excuse me? Pet? You want to rethink that slur buddy?” asked Nivea. Confusion temporarily tongue-tied Matt as Nivea continued speaking without signing. “I don’t know who you think you are, but I’m not a pet; not here at least, and certainly not with Kaylee.” Nivea watched this new guy’s reaction, which was mixed and muddled at best, before casting another glare at Kaylee and then back to her. He was still bristled suspiciously. “Right,” he stated. “That’s why you let her carry you around like some kind of lap dog.” At this, both Nivea and Kaylee winced, which surprised Matt. Nivea rolled her eyes before looking back to Kaylee. “Kaylee, could you run some warm water in the sink? Our belligerent house guest probably wants to clean up before getting bandaged. It’ll help prevent infection,” Nivea said aloud as she signed. “You’re going to bathe me? Like some infant? No chance,” Matt stated defiantly. Nivea shot a glare back at Matt and kept signing. “You look like a grown-up. I think you can manage yourself,” said Nivea as she turned back to Kaylee. “Can you believe this guy? Wants us to pamper him with a spa day.” Kaylee, who looked disheartened, managed a smile in the corner of her lips before walking over to the kitchen sink and turning on the tap. After a moment, she left the kitchen, leaving Nivea and Matt alone. With the two of them alone, Nivea turned her attention back to Matt. “There, she’s busy doing something. Now, could you lose the hostile act and talk to me?” said Nivea as she folded her arms across her chest again. Matt took another hard look at his fellow pet. If this was some kind of scam, it was a good one. At the same time, there was something about Nivea’s face, her focused hazel-brown eyes that was genuine, both with how annoyed she was as well as her willingness to help. “Talk to you?” asked Matt. “Like what? Feelings? What happened to me? You want the whole life story?” “Okay, bud, sarcasm isn’t going to help you. Knock it off. Let me guess. You were passed around from family to family? Not so great bonding time? Lots of hands? Lots of unwanted touching? Tossing, squeezing, undressing? I’ll even guess that you weren’t left outside. Meaning you ran away?” asked Nivea, stating his whole life’s story as if she were there. Then again, it wasn’t hard to guess the life of a pet. “Name one pet who hasn’t had that kind of life,” muttered Matt. He felt a twinge in his leg and a burning sensation in his arms and palms where he was injured. “Well, then you of all people should be able to tell a good human from a bad one, right?” challenged Nivea. Matt couldn’t argue with this statement. Within the first few minutes of knowing a lot of the humans he came into contact with, he was able to read what kind of person they really were. There was only one who seemed decent, a man with multi-colored eyes who came into a second chance shelter, but Matt was already reserved at that time, so the man “adopted” a younger, female pet instead. “Sure. It’s probably some kind of instinct they programmed into our genes,” replied Matt. “Whatever you want to call it, use it now. Okay? Kaylee, the woman probably looking for soap and clothes for you right now, is one of the good ones. Did you get that sense from her? Think about it for two seconds, without this aggressive front of yours, and tell me if you really think Kaylee is one of the bad ones,” said Nivea. Matt clenched his jaw and, despite his best efforts, considered Nivea’s words. When Kaylee pulled him out of the water, her fingers were splayed. She kept her fingers opened and palms cupped when she carried him instead of pinching his torso in between her fingers. Kaylee didn’t listen when he spoke not because she was ignoring him, but because she couldn’t hear him. Even though that was annoying, Matt had to admit that Kaylee watching his lips and bringing Nivea to help make him comfortable and to communicate was, at the very least, considerate. Despite his immediate reaction, Matt had to admit to himself that Kaylee did seem like one of the good humans. As he came to this realization, Nivea smiled knowingly and nodded slowly. “Seems like you got it,” she stated plainly. Matt bit the inside of his cheek before finding himself curious about his fellow pet. “How’d you get here then?” he asked. “I was the teacher’s pet, literally,” said Nivea sighed. “You’re kidding,” said Matt, feeling his insides churn with the thought. “Yeah, middle schoolers. Hormones and angst and growing pains. One too many prodding fingers had me just as angry as you are right now. It wasn’t until Kaylee showed up that I felt like someone was listening to me,” she said quietly before chuckling lightly. “No pun intended.” “So, you asked her to take you? Or did she rescue you on her own?” he inquired. Nivea laughed at this question, making Matt tense slightly before he spotted the smile on Nivea’s face. He thought she was laughing at him, but really she was laughing at the question. “It was a bit of both? She helped get me out and I accidentally hid in her bag at the end of the school day. I was a stowaway, but she wasn’t really mad about it. She was actually really surprised to find me,” said Nivea. “She offered to let me stay here not as a pet, but as a friend. I took her up on it for a while, living quietly under her bed unbothered, but then I actually left and lived outside for about a week and a half before coming back.” “You left? And she let you?” asked Matt. Nivea nodded. “I wanted to see if I could live on my own, but it was hard. Kaylee left out things to help me, and I realized I could survive on my own. Still, I decided to come back because I saw her one day sitting outside alone. She looked so sad, and I realized we both needed a friend. It made more sense, even though we could make it on our own. We could be stronger together,” explained Nivea. “Now we’re friends.” “Friends,” stated Matt, his tone disbelieving. “With a human.” “Hey, that difference doesn’t matter to anyone but yourself, at least it doesn’t matter here,” said Nivea. “And, if you let her, she could be the same to you.” Matt listened quietly until Nivea finished, hearing something he didn’t think possible. A pet had escaped with the help of human. This human let a pet live freely not only in the home, but also outside. Could this be a safe place? Matt didn’t have long to ponder this to himself before Nivea directed her attention to him. “Now, care to give me a name at least? You don’t have to give me your whole life’s story. You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to. I’d just think it’s common courtesy, one person to another.” Matt, still rigid, sighed and nodded. “Matthew,” he said quietly. “My name is Matthew, but I usually go by Matt if the human cared to ask.” “Matthew slash Matt. I like it. Nice to meet you,” greeted Nivea. “Is it okay if I tell Kaylee your name when she comes back in? Or would you rather introduce yourself?” At which point, Kaylee returned with a few small plastic cups filled with what looked like different soaps as well as a couple of washcloths. She didn’t make eye-contact when she came in, instead walking quickly and quietly as though she were intruding and simply came by to drop off these things. Nivea gave Matt a nod toward Kaylee, but Matt froze up the moment Kaylee came back into view. Even with Nivea’s prompting nod, Matt felt tongue tied once again. Kaylee set these things in the sink and turned to leave. Nivea sighed and shook her head before going over to one of the lights and pressing it multiple times so it would click on and off. Matt realized after a few seconds that this was to get Kaylee’s attention, and it worked. Kaylee turned and glanced at Matt before looking over at Nivea. “Mind if I come with? He probably wants some privacy while he gets clean,” said Nivea as she signed. Kaylee smiled and nodded, stepping over to the countertop and laying the back of her hand flat against it. Without hesitation, Nivea stepped onto Kaylee’s hand, using her thumb as a handhold for balance. One-handed, Kaylee made a few signs to Nivea, who quickly signed back. Kaylee, seemingly insistent, signed a few more things to Kaylee. Nivea sighed and turned back to Matt. “She doesn’t want to make you uncomfortable, but she wants to know if you need a lift to the sink over there. We have ladders and lines in place, but you look pretty banged up. Just a thoughtful gesture,” said Nivea, who was once again signing and speaking so Kaylee could understand. Matt stared at Nivea, who was standing of her own free will on Kaylee’s hand, and then to the human who arguably helped save his life. The comment about size not mattering to them seemed to be true and, after a moment’s hesitation, Matt nodded. “Yes please,” he said stiffly. Nivea looked pleased with herself, but said nothing and, instead, stepped off to the side so Matt could join her. It took all his will power, but Matt hobbled over, now feeling his body aching as the adrenaline allowed the pain to creep into his senses, and stepped on. Nivea held onto Matt’s arm and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. She’ll go slow for you,” stated Nivea. Kaylee lifted her hand after Nivea signaled it was okay to move and practically glided over to the sink, which was running fresh, warm water. She laid her hand down in the sink, letting Matt step off while Nivea pointed out the things Kaylee laid out. The bowls were indeed different soaps. There were several small washcloths and two larger ones, one for him to use as a towel to dry and the other to sit on while bandaging himself. There was an easy-to-use ladder nearby and Nivea explained their flashlight system if he needed to get their attention. “Oh, and don’t worry about clothes right now. I’ll help pick out something that’ll probably fit from what I have and then we’ll go get you something better tomorrow. Use the flashlight when you’re done and we’ll bring you some clothes. Got it?” asked Nivea. Matt nodded and looked back at the slightly steaming water, ready for the steam to sooth his muscles. “Thank you,” he said. Nivea shrugged and turned, signaling for Kaylee to lift her away. Matt watched the both of them leave and set to work pealing off his clothes when he was sure he was alone. The water burned and stung his opened wounds but soothed the aching tension from his muscles. He decided to take his time in the sink and clean everything thoroughly. If he decided to leave, this might be the last time he would get a shot at a good shower on his own. In the meantime, Kaylee and Nivea retreated to the living room, which was still in eyesight of the kitchen and the lights. The moment they sat down, Nivea knew exactly what Kaylee was feeling. It was plastered all over her face. Even though she wouldn’t take it personally later, Matt’s reaction felt personal now. Nivea sat on Kaylee’s palm and watched her expressions for a few minutes before shoving Kaylee’s thumb to get her attention. Kaylee, like clockwork, nodded and looked to her small friend. “Hey, I see what you’re thinking,” signed Nivea. Kaylee looked away, which prompted Nivea shoving Kaylee’s thumb again. “Hey! Don’t look away from me like that.” Kaylee looked back and nodded. “Sorry,” she signed, turning her hand so Nivea could sit on Kaylee’s knee and so she could use both hands to sign. “I know he is probably scared and everything. It still hurts.” “He’s been through a lot. You know what I was like when we met, right?” signed Nivea back. Kaylee managed a small smile and nodded. Both of them, at the same time, made the sign for “moron,” which let them share a smile. “I know. I just hope he’s okay. I saw him drowning and… well… I just wanted to help,” Kaylee signed. “And you did,” said Nivea, forcefully signing so Kaylee knew she was emphasizing her words. “Trust takes time. Let’s give him that.” “Yeah,” Kaylee sighed and bit her lower lip, averting her eyes slightly from Nivea’s gaze. “Hey,” Nivea signed after a minute. Kaylee’s big blue eyes captured the movement and looked back to her friend. “You know I trust you, right?” Kaylee smiled and nodded, reaching up and opening her left hand to splay her fingers. Nivea pushed herself up and laid against her friend’s palm, wrapping her arms around her fingers, and squeezing in a makeshift hug. They waited in silence until the light in the kitchen flashed on and off, a signal for them to return. The pair retrieved a few shirts and pants that could possibly fit their guest and went into the kitchen. Matt, in the meantime, finished cleaning his wounds and thought long and hard about the interaction he had just watched. While he was still uneasy, it was hard to deny that there was an obvious friendship between pet and human that was filled with mutual respect and open communication. When they returned, Matt slipped into the clothes while Nivea and Kaylee prepped some medical supplies to bandage his wounds. Nivea helped secure the bandages and, after some silence between them, Matt decided to extend the only olive branch he could willingly offer. “Nivea,” he said quietly. “What?” “How do you sign ‘thank you’?” Nivea’s hazel-brown eyes snapped up and latched onto Matt’s eyes before a smile crept onto her face. She showed him, which was like blowing a kiss, and tried to stifle a grin as Matt finally worked up the courage. He waited for Kaylee to glance at him timidly before waving her down. Instantly, her big blue eyes were entirely focused on him. It was almost unnerving, but Matt was committed. “Kaylee,” he said before signing. “Thank you.” It was a big step in the right direction, and it was all that was needed. A little gesture that would domino into a lasting friendship between the mismatch trio.

Talia's eyes fluttered for a second before snapping open. They darted over to the pillow still propped up beside her and she immediately jumped into high alert. It was empty. She started to sit up so she could throw herself out of bed, but when her gaze drifted over to the bedside table her frenzy petered out. Spencer's tool bag was gone too. 'He's already awake,' she surmised after letting out a calmer exhale. 'He made the choice to leave.' Guilt turned over in her stomach like she was going down a steep hill. She had a lot to answer for and there was no time to waste. Sliding her bare feet into a pair of slippers Talia drew a blanket around her shoulders like a shawl and quickly left the room. When Spencer wasn't waiting in the kitchen she changed course over to the curio cabinet. There was no way for her to know if he was actually in there or even awake without barging in, but she didn't know where else to look for him. Whatever the outcome it was worth taking the risk.