{"sf1_id":2160377,"sf2_id":"4nAP4qbm","title":"Home for some Holidays Chapter 4","author":"JasonVUK","words":6570,"posted_at":"2024-08-05T22:03:28.000Z","tags":["Bunny","Female","HMOFA","Human","Male","Rabbit","Rat","Raven","witch"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2160377-home-for-some-holidays-chapter-4","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/4nAP4qbm","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/4e/18/4e1833a1-b615-460d-8470-d093cb51e3f9","description":"Imported from SF2 with no description.","content":"\\\u003eBe Dwayne Cooper.\n\n\\\u003eYou’ve had a topsy turvy night.\n\n\\\u003eOn the plus side of things, you had a good night meeting up with old friends.\n\n\\\u003eOn the downside, old enemies kept ruining your fun.\n\n\\\u003eEnemies is a strong word though.\n\n\\\u003e”Nuisances” would be a better term.\n\n\\\u003eYou had fun dancing with one of your old friends.\n\n\\\u003eAn old friend currently sleeping in your bed.\n\n\\\u003eAn old friend that hasn’t been overly subtle in her attempts to get you to bed her, then wife her.\n\n\\\u003eAll so tempting to be honest.\n\n\\\u003eYou deserve to be happy.\n\n\\\u003eRight?\n\n\\\u003eNevertheless.\n\n\\\u003eAfter you got home you had a talk with your grandfather, Alex Cooper\n\n\\\u003eOld WW2 vet.\n\n\\\u003eHe’d seen some shit.\n\n\\\u003eHe, and your mother, asked you a question you didn’t want to answer.\n\n\\\u003eHow long had you been S.A.S?\n\n\\\u003eYou shouldn’t tell them.\n\n\\\u003ePlay dumb.\n\n\\\u003e “Around three years now.”\u0026nbsp; You reply.\n\n\\\u003e “So you’re actually a private?” Alex asks with a raised curious brow.\n\n\\\u003e “No, I was able to retain my rank.” You reply.\n\n\\\u003eThis gets a curious look on their faces.\n\n\\\u003eThey ask why.\n\n\\\u003eYou simply respond with a _“Dunno.”_\n\n\\\u003eA thought pops into your head and you look at your grandfather.\n\n\\\u003e “How’d you know I was S.A.S?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003eAlex and your mum share a knowing grin then look back at you.\n\n\\\u003e “Your dad had the same look in his eye.” Your mother says.\n\n\\\u003eYour world stops.\n\n\\\u003eWhat?\n\n\\\u003eYou didn’t know dad was …\n\n\\\u003eYou ask mother how she knew dad was S.A.S!\n\n\\\u003eShe just laughs and retorts.\n\n\\\u003e “How do ya think I met him?!”\n\n\\\u003eThey go on to explain how your mum met your dad, the _real_ way.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum had worked as a liaison for the S.A.S during some international crisis.\n\n\\\u003eW! T! F?\n\n\\\u003eShe goes on to tell you that she’d done this several times.\n\n\\\u003eThat’s how she met dad.\n\n\\\u003eAfter a while they started dating.\n\n\\\u003eThen the rest was history.\n\n\\\u003eYour mind is blown.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum AND dad had work with special forces.\n\n\\\u003eYour dad _was_ Special Forces.\n\n\\\u003eAnd here you are now carrying on his work.\n\n\\\u003eYou smile a little at that thought.\n\n\\\u003eBut then that brings up a question.\n\n\\\u003eHow did your dad die?\n\n\\\u003eYou ask them.\n\n\\\u003eGrandpa Alex looks to your mum.\n\n\\\u003eShe tell you _that_ hasn’t changed.\n\n\\\u003eHe died in the line of duty.\n\n\\\u003eDoing good for the people.\n\n\\\u003eYou feel proud.\n\n\\\u003eThere’s a comfortable silence between the three of you.\n\n\\\u003eBroken only by the call of Trick or Treaters.\n\n\\\u003eYou eventually go upstairs to your room.\n\n\\\u003eAllison still slumbers peacefully.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks so beautiful.\n\n\\\u003eThe white and brown of her fur.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks so peaceful.\n\n\\\u003eSo timid.\n\n\\\u003eSo …\n\n\\\u003eYou shake your head.\n\n\\\u003eGet that thought away before it even became one.\n\n\\\u003eYou take off your Halloween costume.\n\n\\\u003eRedress in light trousers and a t-shirt.\n\n\\\u003eYou decide it’s high time to go for a run!\n\n\\\u003eYou head back down.\n\n\\\u003eAlex and mum still watching TV.\n\n\\\u003eTea and light snacks on the coffee table.\n\n\\\u003e_The Wolfman_ in on screen.\n\n\\\u003eLarry Talbot/Lon Chaney Jr. is beating a dog/werewolf with a silver cane.\n\n\\\u003eWhat a pimp.\n\n\\\u003eYou stare at the screen a moment.\n\n\\\u003eLarry kills the beast and looks for American heart throb woman.\n\n\\\u003eLarry is hurt, bitten by the Werewolf.\n\n\\\u003eYou wonder why Larry never turned into a wolf-werewolf like the one he killed.\n\n\\\u003eBecause monsters!\n\n\\\u003eYou turn away, opening the door.\n\n\\\u003e “TRICK OR TREAT!”\n\n\\\u003eSeveral kids yell.\n\n\\\u003eYour surprised.\n\n\\\u003eYou recoil briefly before you calm.\n\n\\\u003eYou laugh it off.\n\n\\\u003eMother looks to you with a smile.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at the kids, humans and anthros.\n\n\\\u003eA vampire.\n\n\\\u003eA werewolf.\n\n\\\u003eA fox with lots of tails?\n\n\\\u003e….. uhh\n\n\\\u003eYou look at the last kid dressed in a long lack cloak and top hat.\n\n\\\u003eJack the Ripper?\n\n\\\u003eThe Undertaker?\n\n\\\u003eNice hat.\n\n\\\u003eYou grab the kids their sweets and put them in their bags.\n\n\\\u003e “Great costumes kids.” You laugh.\n\n\\\u003eYou receive a chorus of “thank yous” before they depart.\n\n\\\u003e “I’m off for a run!” you call to them.\n\n\\\u003e “Be careful not to run into any monsters!” you mum laughs.\n\n\\\u003eYou simply laugh before you leave.\n\n\\\u003eYou start off with a jog.\n\n\\\u003eJust to get the blood pumping.\n\n\\\u003eWake your muscles up.\n\n\\\u003eSoon however you speed up.\n\n\\\u003eYour jog turning into a comfortable work-out run.\n\n\\\u003eYou run aimlessly.\n\n\\\u003eGoing this way and that way.\n\n\\\u003eYou run down backstreets.\n\n\\\u003eYou run down high streets.\n\n\\\u003eYou just run.\n\n\\\u003eYou needed to run.\n\n\\\u003eClear your head.\n\n\\\u003eGet away from people for a while.\n\n\\\u003eWork your muscles a little harder.\n\n\\\u003eYou run faster.\n\n\\\u003eYou find the privacy you want.\n\n\\\u003eYou were drawn here.\n\n\\\u003eThe seclusion of the woods.\n\n\\\u003eYou just go for it.\n\n\\\u003eYour heart beats faster.\n\n\\\u003eHarder.\n\n\\\u003eYou can almost hear it.\n\n\\\u003eBlood pumping through your veins faster.\n\n\\\u003eYour run through the woods unimpeded.\n\n\\\u003eYou run through the trees.\n\n\\\u003eDodge low branches.\n\n\\\u003eAvoid tripping over roots.\n\n\\\u003eThere are groups in the woods.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear them.\n\n\\\u003eSee their small fires.\n\n\\\u003eTheir parked cars and jeeps.\n\n\\\u003eYou avoid them and keep running.\n\n\\\u003eAfter a time your limbs begin to burn to a point you need rest.\n\n\\\u003eYou’ve ran a lot.\n\n\\\u003eBut your mind is no clearer than when you began.\n\n\\\u003eYou reach for your phone in your pocket to tell your mum where you are.\n\n\\\u003eOnly to find it isn’t there.\n\n\\\u003eYou left it at home.\n\n\\\u003eBugger.\n\n\\\u003eYou shake your head with frustration.\n\n\\\u003eAfter a moment you look around to find where you’ve brought yourself.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re near the river.\n\n\\\u003eThe river that goes around and through parts of the town.\n\n\\\u003eYou and your friends used to swim in there during the summer.\n\n\\\u003eYou’d tell each other horror stories about bodies being found in there.\n\n\\\u003eYou all stopped briefly after a few bodies were found in there.\n\n\\\u003eStill swam in it though.\n\n\\\u003eYou smile to yourself at the fond memories.\n\n\\\u003eSuddenly you sense a presence not far from you.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn and spy a lone figure along the riverbank.\n\n\\\u003eAn anthro of some kind judging by the silhouette.\n\n\\\u003eOr a human dressed as some anthro-type-monster.\n\n\\\u003eWhoever they are they’re sat upon a chair.\n\n\\\u003eYou can hear a radio play quietly beside them.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re about to move on when an older woman’s voice speaks up.\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne Cooper?”\n\n\\\u003eHow does she know you?\n\n\\\u003eYou walk closer to her for answers.\n\n\\\u003eShe seems familiar.\n\n\\\u003eA dark grey rat anthro.\n\n\\\u003eShort.\n\n\\\u003eLong black hair drapes over her shoulders.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s wearing some sort of witch’s, gothic, kinda gypsy dress on.\n\n\\\u003eThe rat anthro turns her head towards you as you come within a few feet of her.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, thought it was you.”\n\n\\\u003eYou recognise her now.\n\n\\\u003e Miss Malbec\n\n\\\u003eTeresa Lowery’s mother.\n\n\\\u003eYou’d talked to Teresa and her husband, Dennis, back at the Halloween party.\n\n\\\u003e “Ya reyt?” you ask her.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye.” She replies simply with a nod, then nods to you with raised brows.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye.” You reply to her look.\n\n\\\u003e “How’d you know it was me?” you can’t help but ask.\n\n\\\u003eMiss Malbec reached into her dress and pulls out a phone.\n\n\\\u003ecan’tbelieveshecanaffordone.\n\n\\\u003eShe opens the phone, taps a few things slowly with her right index finger then turns the phone towards you.\n\n\\\u003eLeaning closer you see a picture of you, Allison, Dennis and Teresa all dress up and smiling.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s on Facebook.\n\n\\\u003e “Got a couple'a pictures of ya’ll.” She replies as softly as her voice can manage.\n\n\\\u003eShe pulls the phone away, reaches down and lifts a cigarette to her mouth.\n\n\\\u003eShe takes a few puffs then leaves the cig between her lips.\n\n\\\u003e “You’ve got good eye sight then.” You comment on how she could see you in the dark.\n\n\\\u003eShe just shrugs.\n\n\\\u003e “Which is ever dwindlin’” she mutters around her cig.\n\n\\\u003e “Our Dennis says you’re a soldier now.” She speaks up, pulling the cig from her mouth.\n\n\\\u003eShe turns to look at you from the corner of her eye.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, ten years now.” You reply then look about.\n\n\\\u003e “What’re you doin’ round ‘ere?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “I come ‘ere to relax.\u0026nbsp; It’s peaceful.” She sighs softly\n\n\\\u003eYou look to the river, the light of the moon reflected in the water.\n\n\\\u003eFor once there’s an almost clear sky above. A few clouds here and there.\n\n\\\u003eYou can barely hear the party-goers off in the distance.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear the soft movements of the water.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s right this _is_ peaceful.\n\n\\\u003eYou sit down beside her and simply look to the sky.\n\n\\\u003eThe waning gibbous glows so brightly in the night.\n\n\\\u003eCasting it’s light down upon you all.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear a text being sent beside you.\n\n\\\u003eYou look over as see Miss Malbec put down her phone.\n\n\\\u003e “Just texting yer mum, lettin’ her know where ya are.” She explains.\n\n\\\u003eYou blink.\n\n\\\u003e “You have my mum on yer contacts?” you ask with surprise.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, you’d be surprised who I know.\u0026nbsp; Who I consider a friend.” She replies and leans back in her folding chair.\n\n\\\u003eYou never really considered that.\n\n\\\u003e “You were always nice to Teresa back in school.” She speaks up once more regaining your attention.\n\n\\\u003e “I wouldn’t say I was nice.” You reply sheepishly and scratch the back of your head.\n\n\\\u003e “You weren’t a twat to her like most, that’s “nice” to me.” She counters.\n\n\\\u003eTeresa had a rough childhood from what you had gathered over the years.\n\n\\\u003eFather left.\n\n\\\u003eThey were poor.\n\n\\\u003eCould barely afford school uniform and supplies.\n\n\\\u003eShe got bullied at school a lot for her appearance and “social status”.\n\n\\\u003eYou never bullied her.\n\n\\\u003eYou also didn’t go out of your way to defend her.\n\n\\\u003eYou had put your foot down when it got really bad though.\n\n\\\u003e “I’m sorry I didn’t do more.” You offer solemnly.\n\n\\\u003e “You did enough. The teachers were barely any fuckin’ help.” She snarls and takes a long drag of her cig before putting the butt away.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eShe pulls out another cigarette and lights up.\n\n\\\u003e “Did things get better when she and Dennis …?” you left the question open.\n\n\\\u003eThe older rat nodded.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye things did. They got together well, went out well.\u0026nbsp; He was a nice lad, treated her well, and she treated him well.” She smiles then snorts a few seconds later.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e “She _treated_ him real well.” She laughs with her tail whipping back and forth against the ground.\n\n\\\u003eYou get where she’s going, you laugh too.\n\n\\\u003eAfterwards, you both sit in comforting silence.\n\n\\\u003eA smile adorns your face.\n\n\\\u003eYou look over to Miss Malbec, once more noting her dress.\n\n\\\u003e “Been meaning to ask …” you begin\n\n\\\u003eBut she cuts you off.\n\n\\\u003e “It’s not a Halloween costume.” She states simply.\n\n\\\u003eSmile still on her face\n\n\\\u003eShe tilts her head towards you and looks at you once more.\n\n\\\u003e “It’s a traditional dress.” She adds.\n\n\\\u003eAs if that helps any.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re quite for a moment as you ponder her words.\n\n\\\u003e “Is it … gothic?” you dare to ask.\n\n\\\u003eYou changed your last word at the last minute.\n\n\\\u003eDidn’t want to be rude.\n\n\\\u003eMiss Malbec picks up on your brief pause.\n\n\\\u003eThe rat grins, revealing her teeth, and chuckles.\n\n\\\u003e “Why don’t you say what you _want_ to say Dwayne?” her grin broadens.\n\n\\\u003e “Is it …uh …..” you can’t say it.\n\n\\\u003eThankfully she takes pity on you and answers.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, it’s a gypsy dress. Not one a-them new fangled pain in the arses that call themselves gypsies.”\n\n\\\u003eWith a look of disgust she snarls, but only for a moment.\n\n\\\u003eShe shakes her head.\n\n\\\u003e “Proper, traditional gypsy dress from old days.”\n\n\\\u003eYou didn’t know she and Terri were _actual_ \u0026nbsp;gypsies.\n\n\\\u003eYou thought they were just, unfortunate.\n\n\\\u003eYou say as such to her.\n\n\\\u003eIn as a polite way as you can.\n\n\\\u003e “No, no. Not all of us are poor.\u0026nbsp; As you say, me an’ Terri just got unlucky.”\n\n\\\u003eYou noticed her hands clench into fists.\n\n\\\u003e “That’d be her dad’s fault.” She snarls.\n\n\\\u003eFrom what you know, Terri’s dad left after he knocked up Miss Malbec.\n\n\\\u003e “You ever put a curse on him?” your idiot mouth immediately says.\n\n\\\u003eOhfuckmei’manidiot.jpg!\n\n\\\u003e Miss Malbec just laughs.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye I did.” She laughs onwards.\n\n\\\u003eYou just smile.\n\n\\\u003eShe stops then looks at you, smile still on her face.\n\n\\\u003e “Are you a believer Dwayne?” she asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou raise a brow.\n\n\\\u003e “In what, magic?” you ask with a chuckle.\n\n\\\u003e “Call it what you want lad.” She shrugs but waits.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re more of a God-fearing boy.\n\n\\\u003eBut well …\n\n\\\u003e “I could be persuaded.” You simply reply.\n\n\\\u003eShe stares at you.\n\n\\\u003eSmile lingering.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks you from head to toe then back again.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s not checking you out.\n\n\\\u003eAt least you don’t think so.\n\n\\\u003e “I suppose when a man goes to war his perspective on life changes, aye?”\n\n\\\u003eShe says carefully.\n\n\\\u003e “You could say that.”\n\n\\\u003eNow your fists clench involuntarily.\n\n\\\u003eYou already know you’re going to Hell when you die.\n\n\\\u003e “Could say that.” You whisper once more.\n\n\\\u003eShe nods her head.\n\n\\\u003eDoes she understand?\n\n\\\u003eDoes she know?\n\n\\\u003eDoes she _know?_\n\n\\\u003eShe grins at you once more.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s a smiley rat. You note.\n\n\\\u003e “If you carry me chair for us, I’ll treat ya to some good ol’ fashion gypsy treatments.”\n\n\\\u003eShe offers.\n\n\\\u003e “Like what?” You lean back, eyeing her cautiously.\n\n\\\u003e “Ye’ can fuck me arse.” She says seriously.\n\n\\\u003eShe immediately laughs at the look on your face.\n\n\\\u003e “I’m kiddin’!\u0026nbsp; I’m kiddin’!” she laughs louder.\n\n\\\u003eAlmost falls out of her chair.\n\n\\\u003eYour heart is hammering in your chest.\n\n\\\u003eYou should’ve seen that coming a MILE away!\n\n\\\u003e “I’m kiddin’, oh dear.” Her laughter dies down.\n\n\\\u003eShe wipes the tears from her eyes.\n\n\\\u003eShe tries to steady her breathing.\n\n\\\u003eYou finally laugh too.\n\n\\\u003eYou walked right into that one like an idiot.\n\n\\\u003eFinally she calms down enough to talk.\n\n\\\u003e “Sorry, but no, seriously now.\u0026nbsp; Some palm readin’, some tarot cards.”\n\n\\\u003e “Maybe a look into yer crystal ball?” you say, imitating a stereotypical gypsy crone, your hands positioned as if you were holding a ball beside your head.\n\n\\\u003eMiss Malbec gives you the finger in reply.\n\n\\\u003e “I’ll shove me crystal ball up yer arse.” She chuckles.\n\n\\\u003e “Sorry. Couldn’t help it.” You reply.\n\n\\\u003eShe shrugs.\n\n\\\u003e “So how much will it cost? I don’t have any money” You ask.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at you with mild, overdramatic shock.\n\n\\\u003e “Cost? Dwayne me lad. I feel insulted!” She places the back of her left hand to her forehead and another clutched her chest.\n\n\\\u003eWhat a performance.\n\n\\\u003e “I like to consider our time together now as friends. I don’t charge me friends for this kinda thing.”\n\n\\\u003eShe lowers her hands and looks you straight in the eye.\n\n\\\u003e “Just the soul of yer first child!” she says in a haunting voice.\n\n\\\u003eThen proceeds to bellow out an evil Hollywood career making laugh.\n\n\\\u003e “I’ll buy ya a drink or two at pub.” You offer as she continues to laugh.\n\n\\\u003eShe immediately stops and gets out of her chair.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye that’ll do.”\n\n\\\u003e “Why not I guess.” You say as you stand.\n\n\\\u003e “It’s Halloween Dwayne, you got to have some fun. Enjoy something _different,_ right?” she says as she folds up her chair.\n\n\\\u003eYou reach out and pick it up for her.\n\n\\\u003eWith her standing she’s maybe a _little_ taller than Terri.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s possibly around 5’3” at a glance?\n\n\\\u003eShe picks up her radio and turns up the volume a little.\n\n_[Blue Moooooon!\u0026nbsp; You saw me standing aaloooooooone!!”]_\n\n\\\u003eYou used to like this song.\n\n\\\u003e “Without a dream in my heeaaart. Without a love of my ooooowwwn.”\n\n\\\u003eMs Malbec sings along as she leads the way.\n\n\\\u003eYou remain quiet and follow her, keeping pace due to her shorter legs\n\n\\\u003eAfter a few minutes of walking the song finishes\n\n\\\u003eShe speaks up.\n\n\\\u003e “We believed in many things Dwayne.” She says suddenly.\n\n\\\u003e “Gods, devils, spirits. Call them whatever you want.” She takes a long drag of her cigarette.\n\n\\\u003e “We asked for protection against evil while living a simple and peaceful life.”\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at you with a smirk.\n\n\\\u003e “Even make a bob or two from local towns and such.”\n\n\\\u003e “We had our persecutions, sure.\u0026nbsp; Like Cher said, “Gypsies, tramps and thieves.” We got all sorts of names called at us. But people still came to see us for one thing or another.”\n\n\\\u003eShe finishes her cig and throws the butt away, then grabs another one.\n\n\\\u003e “Or so me mother and grandmother told me.” She lights up and takes a puff.\n\n\\\u003e “But our beliefs is what kept us strong, kept us together. Believin’ in the ol’ ways.” She goes on to explain.\n\n\\\u003e “The spirits would protect us.”\n\n_{I see, the bad moon arising, I see trouble on the way.]_\n\n\\\u003e “Not directly, and not obviously, you see? I don’t get _why,_ but they didn’t.”  \n_{I see Earthquakes and Lightnin’, I see bad times todays!}_\n\n\\\u003e “They’d give us hints, nudges in the right direction if we were lookin in the right place, aye?”\n\n_{Don’t go around tonight! It’s bound to take your life”_\n\n\\\u003eMs Malbec looks at you and smiles.\n\n\\\u003e “Some of us could figure it out, but some of us were a bit dense.”\n\n\\\u003e “Oh aye?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “So me great grandma said to me grandma said to me.”\n\n_{There’s a bad moon on the rise.]_\n\n\\\u003e “Some don’t even think they bother now.” She says with a shrug.\n\n\\\u003e “Maybe there’s not enough real belief in ‘em? They say.” She adds.\n\n\\\u003e “They say God works in mysterious ways, right?” you reply.\n\n\\\u003e “I guess, they just want us all to figure things out for ourselves.” You shrug.\n\n\\\u003e “Exactly Dwayne, exactly.”\n\n_{Don’t go around tonight. It’s bound to take your life.}_\n\n\\\u003e “I believe the signs are there. If you look hard enough.” She grins.\n\n_{There’s a bad moon on the rise!}_\n\n\\\u003eMs Malbec turns down the volume of her radio then points ahead.\n\n\\\u003e “Here we are, home sweet home.”\n\n\\\u003eJust outside of the woods is an encampment.\n\n\\\u003eA few gypsy families live here.\n\n\\\u003eThey don’t travel really.\n\n\\\u003eThey _live_ here.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eIt’s their home.\n\n\\\u003eThe pair of you enter the encampment.\n\n\\\u003eThere are caravans.\n\n\\\u003eWooden buildings.\n\n\\\u003eThey’re well-constructed.\u0026nbsp; No doubt.\n\n\\\u003eThere’s even a large campfire going in the centre.\n\n\\\u003eHalloween decorations are ornaments about.\n\n\\\u003eCarved pumpkins with scary faces illuminated by candles.\n\n\\\u003e “I didn’t think you’d celebrate Halloween.” You comment.\n\n\\\u003e “Why not?” Miss Malbec laughs.\n\n\\\u003e “The scariest night of the year? Witches and monsters and the like? Why wouldn’t we celebrate?” she laughs.\n\n\\\u003e “Also some of us sell a lot of our sold goods during this time.” She adds.\n\n\\\u003eSuddenly an old raspy male voice calls out.\n\n\\\u003e “Y’ find y’self a young lad ‘ere Pat?”\n\n\\\u003eYou look over and see a skinny, bare-chested, grey furred rat looking over at you from a beaten-up old couch chair.\n\n\\\u003e “Fuck off Matt, he’s a friend a’ Terri’s!” Ms Malbec/Pat shouts back.\n\n\\\u003e “And he’s too young fer me!” She quickly adds then looks you over.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear her mutter “then again”.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh, aye.\u0026nbsp; A good lad then he is aye?” The old rat shouts back.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye.” She shouts back.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye.” He says before turning to watch his television.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a glance at it.\n\n\\\u003eA four-legged wolf beast is slowly approaching a male anthro deer in a suit.\n\n\\\u003eThe scene cuts away as the beast roars and the man screams.\n\n\\\u003eMiss Malbec, or rather _Pat_ leads you through the encampment.\n\n\\\u003ePast all forms of festivities.\n\n\\\u003eThere are still some kids in costumes.\n\n\\\u003eYou smell food being cooked.\n\n\\\u003eSomething meaty.\n\n\\\u003eSmells good.\n\n\\\u003eSmells _really good._\n\n\\\u003eOlder women and old men tell kids scary stories.\n\n\\\u003eThere’s an older raven woman entertaining kids with gypsy hocus-pocus stuff.\n\n\\\u003eFun seems to be had.\n\n\\\u003eThe whole thing seems very _homely._\n\n\\\u003e “Here we are.” Pat says catching your attention.\n\n\\\u003eYou look up to find she’s brought you to a traditional looking wooden caravan.\n\n\\\u003eIt looks old.\u0026nbsp; Very old. But incredibly well made.\n\n\\\u003e “This be where the fun and games happen.” Pat says as you both climb the steps to enter.\n\n\\\u003eYou both pause. You’re not alone.\n\n\\\u003eOn the couch are some teens snogging.\n\n\\\u003eA rabbit and a squirrel.\n\n\\\u003e “Oi you two, this ain’t the place fer _that!_” Pat snaps, loudly.\n\n\\\u003eThe teens jump in surprise, shout out a curse at her then make a break for it.\n\n\\\u003eYou watch them run into the encampment.\n\n\\\u003e “Some kids have no respect for the old ways.” Pat mutters loud enough for you to hear.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn around and take a look at the place.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s actually rather roomy.\n\n\\\u003eWell decorated too.\n\n\\\u003eUnknown symbols and shapes hand-made from wood hang from the ceiling.\n\n\\\u003eStrange items and various herbs sit on shelves on either side.\n\n\\\u003e “Terri wasn’t really one for the old ways.” Pat says as she makes her way to the opposite end.\n\n\\\u003eShe grabs various items from different locations as she goes.\n\n\\\u003e “I can’t blame her like, she got enough bother from school.” Pat adds a twinge of regret in her words.\n\n\\\u003e “She was never going to be normal, not with how we live.”\n\n\\\u003e “I’m just glad she had friends like you Dwayne.” Pat says and looks to you.\n\n\\\u003eYou look back at her and scratch the back of your head awkwardly.\n\n\\\u003e “Again, I wasn’t that much of a friend to her.” You reply, your own regret in your voice.\n\n\\\u003e “Maybe, but you were never rude to her, never cruel.\u0026nbsp; She says you even helped her out a few times.” Pat shot back with a tired smile.\n\n\\\u003eYou did?\n\n\\\u003eWell maybe you guessed.\n\n\\\u003eJust small acts.\n\n\\\u003eBut you suppose even small acts of kindness stand out to those less fortunate.\n\n\\\u003eYou feel bad not sticking up for her more back then.\n\n\\\u003e “Her getting together with Dennis was a blessing!” Pat says with a smile and a starry-eyed expression.\n\n\\\u003ePat reaches the end and turns. She sits on the far couch and pulls a small table up to her.\n\n\\\u003eYou notice her watching you as you look about.\n\n\\\u003e “Does it scare you in here Dwayne?” she chuckles darkly.\n\n\\\u003eThere is some freaky shit in here you must admit.\n\n\\\u003eThings of the macabre.\n\n\\\u003eStrange Pagan things.\n\n\\\u003eThere is one thing that takes note though.\n\n\\\u003eSitting above Pat.\n\n\\\u003eNestled in place on hooks.\n\n\\\u003eA blend of wood and metal.\n\n\\\u003eYou can’t help but ask about it.\n\n\\\u003e “Do you have a license for that firearm?”\n\n\\\u003eYou look down to Pat.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s staring at you wide eyed.\n\n\\\u003eShe turns and looks up at the gun.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s an old single barrel .410 shotgun.\n\n\\\u003eLikely used for vermin.\n\n\\\u003e “Uuuuuuuuhhh,” Pat groans out as she tries to think of an excuse.\n\n\\\u003e “It’s … a prop?” She looks uncertain, her lie obvious.\n\n\\\u003eShe grins wide trying to look innocent.\n\n\\\u003eKinda cute.\n\n\\\u003eDamnitDwaynedonotfucktheratgypsywitch!\n\n\\\u003eYou aren’t a grass, sooooo.\n\n\\\u003e “A prop, yeah makes sense.” You smirk back and give a wink.\n\n\\\u003ePat sighs with relief then relaxes.\n\n\\\u003e “Good on ye lad.”\n\n\\\u003eShe places the few various items on the table.\n\n\\\u003eOnly now do you take a good look at them.\n\n\\\u003eA pack of cards.\n\n\\\u003eA dark candle.\n\n\\\u003eA box of matches.\n\n\\\u003eA large silver necklace and pendant.\n\n\\\u003eThe pendant is in the shape of the moon.\n\n\\\u003eTwo gems sit inside it.\n\n\\\u003eOne dark.\n\n\\\u003eOne light.\n\n\\\u003e “So … what do we do?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003eYou nods to a chair beside you.\n\n\\\u003e “Sit down Dwayne, and we’ll begin.” She says in a serious tone.\n\n\\\u003eYou take the chair and sit down opposite her.\n\n\\\u003ePat grabs the matches, opening them then moves the candle to the centre of the table.\n\n\\\u003e “This is to dispel any dark spirits that may come here.” She informs you.\n\n\\\u003eShe strikes the match, causing it to light then moves it to the candle.\n\n\\\u003eThe candle’s wick catches flame.\n\n\\\u003eThen immediately peters out.\n\n\\\u003ePat grunts then strikes another match.\n\n\\\u003eIt lights once more and she puts it to the candles wick.\n\n\\\u003eThe wick catches fire.\n\n\\\u003eAnd again it peters out.\n\n\\\u003eWith a grimace she reaches into her dress and pulls out her lighter.\n\n\\\u003eShe pulls the candle closer to her then lights the wick with her lighter.\n\n\\\u003eThe flame peters briefly but it remains.\n\n\\\u003e “Hmm. Must be a breeze somewhere.” She mutters and looks about.\n\n\\\u003eShe focuses on you.\n\n\\\u003e “Can you see alright?” she asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod. You see just fine.\n\n\\\u003ePat grabs her tarot cards and starts to shuffle them.\n\n\\\u003eTurning them around.\n\n\\\u003eMore shuffling.\n\n\\\u003eShe expertly spreads the cards out in her hands.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks you in the eye.\n\n\\\u003e “What type of reading shall we do?” she asks.\n\n\\\u003e “Whatever you think is best.” You reply.\n\n\\\u003e “Then let us see you in general shall we and your life as it is.” She replies.\n\n\\\u003eShe shows you the cards.\n\n\\\u003e “Pick seven cards lad.”\n\n\\\u003eYou look from her eyes to the cards in her hands and grab seven cards at random.\n\n\\\u003eThis is kind of fun.\n\n\\\u003eYou’ve never had a tarot reading before.\n\n\\\u003eNot sure if you totally believe in the thing.\n\n\\\u003eBut Pat’s really putting effort into it so you can’t help but be charmed.\n\n\\\u003ePat puts her remaining cards to the side before asking you to put the cards down in any order, any way in a pattern of three, three then two.\n\n\\\u003e “I’ll be doing a reading from your point of view.” She informed you.\n\n\\\u003eYou didn’t get it. You inform her of this.\n\n\\\u003e “Tarot cards have different meanings if they are right side up or up side down.”\n\n\\\u003eYou want to ask more questions.\n\n\\\u003eBut best to let her do her thing.\n\n\\\u003eYou place your cards down, turning only some.\n\n\\\u003ePat turns over the first card and your eyes lock onto it.\n\n\\\u003eA familiar hooded figure with a scythe.\n\n\\\u003eYou glare at it.\n\n\\\u003e “Death does not actually mean _death_ Dwayne.” Pat chuckles.\n\n\\\u003e “It simply means the end of how things were. Change. Metamorphosis.”\n\n\\\u003eYou say nothing.\n\n\\\u003eShe turns over the next card.\n\n\\\u003eA hand from the top of the card is reaching down for the sun.\n\n\\\u003e “Reversed sun.\u0026nbsp; Negative emotions. You’re upset about something.” You hear Pat say.\n\n\\\u003eShe turns the next card.\n\n\\\u003e “Reverse eight of swords. Self-acceptance, new perspectives, freedom.”\n\n\\\u003eShe pauses as she looks at the previous cards, a brow raised, her tail raised behind her.\n\n\\\u003eShe continues.\n\n\\\u003e”Reverse two of swords? No right choice, a lesser of two evils.” She mutters quietly.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear her fine.\n\n\\\u003eYou look back down as Pat turns the next card.\n\n\\\u003eAn upside-down demon stares back at you.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at it then to pat for an explanation.\n\n\\\u003e “Reversed devil means freedom, release, or regaining control.”\n\n\\\u003eYour jaw sets tighter.\n\n\\\u003eShe flips the next two cards together.\n\n\\\u003e “The hierophant and the reverse wheel of fortune.”\n\n\\\u003eShe mutters about traditions and lack of control.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks over the cards puzzled.\n\n\\\u003e “Have I made things awkward?” you hesitate in asking.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks over the cards a little while longer before answering.\n\n\\\u003e “No lad … just an interesting set, the cards as a set can mean something different than they did individually.”\n\n\\\u003eShe places her hand on the Reverse-Devil card and the Reverse Two-of Swords , she stares at the cards.\n\n\\\u003e “You said you’re a soldier? Just like your dad was, like your grandfather and his father. Following in the family tradition” she says but doesn’t wait for a reply.\n\n\\\u003e “A lack of control, negative feelings. Self-acceptance.” She mutters.\n\n\\\u003e “Quite a few swords.”\n\n\\\u003e “A few creatures.”\n\n\\\u003e “What do the cards say Pat?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003eYou didn’t mean to sound so cold.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at the cards then up at you with eyes full of worry.\n\n\\\u003e “What happened to you Dwayne?” she asks with concern. “What did you see?”\n\n\\\u003eYou lower your gaze to the cards.\n\n\\\u003eYou notice Pat move; she takes hold of the candle by it’s handle and moves it closer to you.\n\n\\\u003eThe flame goes out.\n\n\\\u003eShe gasps.\n\n\\\u003e “Bloody breeze, right?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003eThe candle is relit and placed beside her.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at the candle for a moment longer.\n\n\\\u003eHer gaze shifts to where it went out.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s trying to not look at you.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, I should close the windows. Last thing I need is me catchin’ a cold.” She replies.\n\n\\\u003eShe _almost_ sounded confidant in her own words.\n\n\\\u003e “You accept whatever you saw, whatever it was, it was horrible, whatever happened to you. But it took time.” She shook her head.\n\n\\\u003e “You’ve been through hell Dwayne, I dunno know _what,_ but you’ve been through fire.”\n\n\\\u003e “Makes sense if you’re a soldier I suppose.” She sighs and gives you a sad look.\n\n\\\u003e “Whatever it were, ye’ have me sympathies.”\n\n\\\u003eYou glare at the cards.\n\n\\\u003eYou feel your hands clench\n\n\\\u003eShe seems to notice your expression.\n\n\\\u003e “I’m sorry Dwayne. I didn’t mean t’ overstep and upset ye’.”\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at the cards one last time then bundles them back into the deck.\n\n\\\u003eShe uses the _mythical_ candle to light normal ones.\n\n\\\u003eShe places them around the table.\n\n\\\u003e “I didn’t really expect anything from it.” You admit sheepishly.\n\n\\\u003e “Many don’t, they’re usually surprise.” She gives you a small smirk\n\n\\\u003eShe blows out the mythical candle.\n\n\\\u003e “So what’s the necklace ye’ got here?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks down and smiles.\n\n\\\u003eHer confidence seemingly restored.\n\n\\\u003e “Pretty, ain’t it? It’s said the stones harness the moon’s rays and keep its wearer protected at night, and silver chain is blessed to keep it out‘a t’ hands of evil. I want ye’ t’ have it.”\n\n\\\u003eYou frown and shake your head.\n\n\\\u003eYou appreciate the gesture, but it looks far too expensive.\n\n\\\u003e “I can’t take it from ye’, it’s gorgeous but and it’s too valuable.”\n\n\\\u003ePat shakes her head then looks at it forlornly.\n\n\\\u003e “This is just a replica, the metal ain’t even _real_ silver, it’s just painted, and the gems are fake.”\n\n\\\u003eShe reluctantly admits.\n\n\\\u003e “I can’t be affordin’ actual silver and pricey gems.”\n\n\\\u003ePat smiled as you reached out for it and she placed it into your hand.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s got some weight to it if nothing else.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s then you realise what she said.\n\n\\\u003e “Wait, did you _make_ this?” you ask astonished.\n\n\\\u003eShe tilts her hand side to side.\n\n\\\u003e “Eh, kind of, I buy cheap necklaces and stones and I just craft em together with cheap metals then spray paint it.” She admits, unashamed. She shrugs.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s still very clever though.\n\n\\\u003eShe smiles at you after you say so.\n\n\\\u003e “Anyway, I like to think it’s t’ thought that counts, if not then please take it as a gift.”\n\n\\\u003eYou nod your head and accept her gift.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e “It’s nice, thank you Miss Malbec.”\u0026nbsp; You say sincerely\n\n\\\u003eFor a little while the pair of you just talk.\n\n\\\u003eWork. Family. Futures.\n\n\\\u003eShe seems to remember something.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh Dwayne!\u0026nbsp; We’re puttin’ together a large bonfire ceremony for Guy Fawkes night, ye be comin’?” she asks excitedly.\n\n\\\u003eRemember, remember the 5th of November.\n\n\\\u003e “There’ll be food, music, a couple of us will be there selling trinkets and telling fortunes.”\n\n\\\u003eIt sounds fun.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, I’ll come.\u0026nbsp; Can I bring some friends?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “Of course!\u0026nbsp; More the merrier really. They’ll be a tiny charge mind.” She shrugged.\n\n\\\u003e “Doin this kinda stuff ain’t cheap.” She adds.\n\n\\\u003eThat’s fair.\n\n\\\u003e “No worries. I’ll buy tickets.” You say then have a thought.\n\n\\\u003e “Actually, you need any donations of anythin’ t’ help?”\n\n\\\u003eShe gives you’re a curious look.\n\n\\\u003eLikely not expecting the question.\n\n\\\u003eHer brow creases together as she thinks it over.\n\n\\\u003e “Well aye, any help’s good. We’d appreciated it, you’d ‘ave t’ talk t’ Agatha though.”\n\n\\\u003eYou have no idea who that is.\n\n\\\u003e “No worries, I’ll show ye!” She grins large showing off her teeth.\n\n\\\u003ePat stands up, moving the table aside.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand automatically and move your chair.\n\n\\\u003eYou both exit the wagon and re-enter the encampment.\n\n\\\u003ePat leads you to a large blue static caravan.\n\n\\\u003eJust outside it, is a raven lady wearing a long dress like Pat’s.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s the same Raven lady you saw from before.\n\n\\\u003eUp close she’s about as tall as you.\n\n\\\u003eMaking her around 5’10/11”.\n\n\\\u003ePat gets her attention and quickly introduces the pair of you to each other before bringing her up to speed on the situation.\n\n\\\u003eAgatha seems delighted at the idea.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh wonderful! Did you want to contribute cash?” she grins wide.\n\n\\\u003eYou tell her no, you don’t have money on you.\n\n\\\u003ePreferably a bank transfer if that’s something she does.\n\n\\\u003eIf not you can grab the money later.\n\n\\\u003eShe nods her consent in return.\n\n\\\u003eYou two work out what to do.\n\n\\\u003eYou have given her your number.\n\n\\\u003eShe’ll text you to give you her number.\n\n\\\u003eYou’ll call her for the bank transfer afterwards.\n\n\\\u003eShe just seems excited to be getting some help financially with it.\n\n\\\u003eShe explains while it’s fun and something for the community.\n\n\\\u003eOrganising the event is damn expensive and they don’t make a lot of money.\n\n\\\u003eEspecially poor Pat Malbec.\n\n\\\u003eNormally you don’t trust people you just met with money.\n\n\\\u003eBut you trust Pat.\n\n\\\u003eAnd failing that there’s always plan B.\n\n\\\u003e “Thank you so much Mr Cooper. We _highly_ appreciate it.”\n\n\\\u003eShe sticks her hand out and you jovially take her hand to shake it.\n\n\\\u003eShe recoils her hand back suddenly startling you and Pat.\n\n\\\u003eThe raven looks between you both, eyes wide with alarm.\n\n\\\u003e “Ah sorry.” She quickly apologises.\u0026nbsp; “Cramp.”\n\n\\\u003eShe rubs her hand for emphasis.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod your sympathies.\n\n\\\u003eBoth you and Pat make a show of wincing.\n\n\\\u003e “I hate that.” Pat speaks up.\n\n\\\u003e “Hey, I’d best be off.” You say to Pat.\n\n\\\u003eShe nodded in understanding.\n\n\\\u003e “You need a lift? We may have one sober adult who can drive.” She looked about the place\n\n\\\u003eYou feel stupid asking.\n\n\\\u003eYou should run back home.\n\n\\\u003e “Um, aye. If you don’t mind.” You scratch the back on your neck awkwardly.\n\n\\\u003ePat just laughs.\n\n\\\u003e “Come on then, I’ll get ye’ home.”\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Agatha.\n\n\\\u003e “It was nice meetin’ you Agatha.” You give her your friendliest smile.\n\n\\\u003eShe smiles and gives you a small wave.\n\n\\\u003e “You too Dwayne, you too.”\n\n\\\u003eWith that you follow Pat to her car.\n\n* * *\n\n\\\u003eBe Patricia Malbec.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re a 51 years old, 5’3” Rat anthro.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re also a woman of mysticism and witchcraft!\n\n\\\u003eOr so you tell people.\n\n\\\u003eDespite the nay sayers and non-believers, you truly believe in spirits and deities.\n\n\\\u003eYou believe a _real_ witch can truly call upon the forces around them to see things that were beyond mortal senses.\n\n\\\u003eThere was something however about the passenger you had in your car right now.\n\n\\\u003eDwayne Cooper.\n\n\\\u003eHe was a nice boy. Had a strength to him.\n\n\\\u003eIf only you were 20 years younger.\n\n\\\u003eOr he had a thing for older women.\n\n\\\u003eHis tarot card reading had given you pause.\n\n\\\u003eHis cards told a story. You were sure of this.\n\n\\\u003eYou felt your translation was correct … partially.\n\n\\\u003eThere was something to this boy.\n\n\\\u003eA darkness had seeped itself into him.\n\n\\\u003eYou’d seen it in the cards.\n\n\\\u003eBut then, he _was_ a soldier.\n\n\\\u003eTerrible things happen in wars.\n\n\\\u003eUnpredictable things.\n\n\\\u003ePerhaps there was an event he regretted?\n\n\\\u003eOr he saw something truly terrible.\n\n\\\u003eYou’ve seen _Saving Private Ryan_, you can understand how bad things can be.\n\n\\\u003ePoor lad.\n\n\\\u003eYou glance his way, seeing him staring at the window to the world outside.\n\n\\\u003eYou focus back on the road, paying only a small attention to the trick or treaters going about their ways.\n\n\\\u003eEventually you park your old and semi-reliable car outside his mother’s house.\n\n\\\u003eHe turns and smiles at you, thanking you for the lift.\n\n\\\u003eYou tell him it’s no trouble at all.\n\n\\\u003eHe says he’ll repay you for it.\n\n\\\u003eYou tell him again, _it’s no trouble at all_, with more emphasis.\n\n\\\u003eYou says he will before exiting the car and gently closes the door.\n\n\\\u003eYou chuckle and shake your head.\n\n\\\u003eGood boy. Nice and polite.\n\n\\\u003eHis mother should be proud.\n\n\\\u003eYou hope the spirits will protect him in his journeys.\n\n\\\u003eYou make your way back home.\n\n\\\u003eOnce you’re parked up and out of your car you head back to the encampment.\n\n\\\u003eTime for you to relax and watch some TV before you head out.\n\n\\\u003eDennis is treating his parents, Terri, you, and the kids to some food.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re looking forward to it!\n\n\\\u003eSure, his parents think you’re a little weird.\n\n\\\u003eBut then, most people think you and your entourage are weird.\n\n\\\u003eAs you enter the encampment Agatha saunters towards you.\n\n\\\u003eYou notice her old little handbag dangling from her shoulder.\n\n\\\u003e “Pat, who _was_ that young man from earlier?”\n\n\\\u003eYou raise a furred brow at the raven.\n\n\\\u003eYou introduced them to one another already.\n\n\\\u003e “I told ye lass, he’s Dwayne Cooper. June Cooper’s lad.”\n\n\\\u003eAgatha clutches her hand.\n\n\\\u003e “Has your cramp gone yet?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003eShe rolls her eyes and shakes her head.\n\n\\\u003e “What was he doing here?” she asks, her tone dripping with condescendence.\n\n\\\u003e “Hey!\u0026nbsp; Don’t be givin’ me tha’ tone!” you snarl briefly.\n\n\\\u003e “He weren’t doin’ nothin’ wrong. Lad went fer a run, ended up by me. As a nice thing I gave him a tarot card readin’ free-a-charge.”\n\n\\\u003eYou glare at her and cross your arms.\n\n\\\u003e “Why, what’s wrong? You seemed happy enough to be takin’ his money later.”\n\n\\\u003eShe adopts a look of interest.\n\n\\\u003e “Do you remember his cards?”\n\n\\\u003eYou pause.\n\n\\\u003eYou suddenly don’t like the fact she’s asking.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to lie and say no.\u0026nbsp; But _something_ is up.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye. Why?”\n\n\\\u003eThe old Raven, whose only a little only than you, asks you to show her.\n\n\\\u003eYou lead her to the old wagon, lead her to the tarot deck, this cards were placed on top.\n\n\\\u003eYou put them back out in the same order they were drawn.\n\n\\\u003eAgatha looks them over then at you.\n\n\\\u003e “Only seven cards?” she asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou roll your eyes.\n\n\\\u003e “I asked him to pick up to 10.”\n\n\\\u003eYou don’t like Agatha’s tone.\n\n\\\u003eYou don’t like her sudden interest.\n\n\\\u003eYou watch her silently as she examines the cards.\n\n\\\u003e “What reading did you get from them?” she asked.\n\n\\\u003eShe seemed to ask only as an afterthought.\n\n\\\u003eWas she judging your reading?\n\n\\\u003e “He’s a soldier lass, somethin’ happened t’ him out there. Something traumatic, but he’s learned t’ live with it.”\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn’t say anything.\n\n\\\u003eYou lose your patients.\n\n\\\u003e “What the bloody hell is your problem Agatha?!” Your voice almost stung your own sensitive ears.\n\n\\\u003eIf she cared for your tone she doesn’t show it.\n\n\\\u003eInstead she looks towards you, face totally unreadable.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s looking at you but not seeing you, seeing past you.\n\n\\\u003eYou hate that.\n\n\\\u003e “There’s just something I must know.”\n\n\\\u003eShe reaches into her handbag and pulls out a small deck of cards.\n\n\\\u003eYou know those cards.","series":{"name":"Home for some Holidays","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2147406-home-for-some-holidays-chapter-3.json"}}