2 AM

by Phoenix Neal

Just before 2 AM, Teddy began to stir in his cradle, whining softly in his sleep. Andromeda, exhausted but sleepless, rocked the cradle with her foot to calm him. Teddy, however, began to cry more in earnest; short, gasping sobs shook his tiny frame.

The clock had just struck two when he let out a howl unlike any Andromeda had ever heard. His turquoise hair changed to jet black. Andromeda's heart sank as she gently lifted the screaming infant to her shoulder. They clung to each other for the rest of the night, the last remnants of a shattered family.