Chapter four

Running. Panting. Free. These are the only thoughts I can master as I sprint barefoot through the forest. It's night out, and I can't see very well through the gloom and fog, which feels like dry ice as I run through it. But I'm not cold. Everything feels lighter and there is no pain, just my hot breath and dew clinging to my hair.

I jump over a fallen, rotting log and expect to land on my hands and knees. I catch a scent through the dense woods. Blood. No, that can't be right. I taste it in my mouth, warm, salty, and refreshing all at once. It's not the taste that scares me, but the fact that I seem to savour it. Enjoy it even.

"Tia", a voice calls through the haze. "Tia, why?" he calls again.

I recognize the voice but I can't remember from where. I see a figure up a head and I run to it. I need to see who it is. It's my dad – lying on the ground in a puddle of blood. I try to scream but my vocal chords feel foreign.

"You did this to me, Tia. I thought you loved me," blood gurgles and drips down his chin.

I need to save him! I can't let him die! Not again! Crimson blooms across his work shirt, the one I use to wear when I played dress up, pretending I was an agent just like him. I try to put my hands over the wounds to stop the bleeding, but somehow my fingers have turned to claws. I get frantic only to accidently slice his torso open. Again. And again. And again. His body lies in ribbons and it's all my fault. I catch my reflection, blood smeared on my face, eyes glowing, and teeth sharp. This can't be happening. I close my eyes and try to imagine this isn't happening. When I open my eyes I no longer see my reflection, but instead a wolf.

I wake up screaming. When I pad down the stairs, I smell pancakes and bacon.

My mouth waters Joshua hands me a plate saying, "Tia, I will be going out today and I will be back later tonight. Stay out of trouble and promise me not to go upstairs. I will know if you do," he says ominously, "But have a good day".

"Can look around the town, please?" I soon realize I have no idea which town I am even in. We could be in another country for all I know. "Wait, where are we?" I ask.

"Port Angeles, and yes you can go and after you tidy up the house. See you later tonight, Tia", he kisses the top of my head as he leaves the house, locking the door behind him.

"Bye," I say to myself, feeling a pang of loneliness.

I walk upstairs. Regardless of what Joshua said, I really want to see what's up there. I discover a long hallway with one white door at the end. Mischievously, I twist the brass handle. I walk into a small room only to find three skinny pit-bulls. Immediately they lick my blue, painted toes. I giggle, feeling ticklish. They are so friendly.

"Come on out with me, guys," I coo as they follow me. I shut the door, thinking a little fun won't hurt. After all, they are just dogs.

I check to see if Emma and Rocky mind. Oddly enough, all five dogs are barking and chasing each other like long lost friends.

I name one of the pit-bulls Lillo as a trace the white and tan spots on her back. The second one, the dog with a bluish shaded coat and white paws I name Socks because he looks like he is wearing socks. Finally, I name the last one, who has a brown spot on head, AJ.

They are so cute; I just want to play with them forever.

I start walking into town. When I returned I had bought food, snacks, water, lots of tissues, 5 bags of dog food, and 7 bowls. I put my stuff into my backpack. When I got back home Joshua lookedmad at me.

"Hi Sir – granddad," I said

"You are late," he growls, "You are grounded."

"You can't do that," I replied. He takes a handful of my hair and slaps me in my face. I smell the alcohol on his breath. He flings me to the floor and starts kicking me. I beg him to stop but he just drunkenly laughs.

He takes my hair in his hand again and starts pulling "Do you want to bet, you little brat," he says, dragging me by my hair to my room, "I will do as I please."

"Stay here until I say so, and do not leave."

"Yes grandpa." I whispered.

I crawl to my bed, lying under the blankets, out of sight, in a weird position, trying not to put pressure on my injuries.