I'm still shaky, so my words might be hard to read, but writing this down is the only way to help me clear my head.

Earlier tonight, I decided to sneak out to get away from Claude since I thought he was planning to kill me. I packed a small bag and quietly climbed out of my window and left the property. I had found a few dollars and was planning on using that money to get away from Chicago. To where, I don't know, and I didn't really care. I left that neighborhood and soon found myself in a more urban spot.

I had so much stuff on my mind that I didn't notice a car speeding toward me while I was crossing a street. By the time I realized what was going on, I didn't have time to move out of the way. One moment, I was staring straight into the car's headlights. The next, I felt myself being whisked away off the street, out of harm's way.

Before I could even say anything, I saw Claude's figure under the light of a street lamp. I saw the symbol on his hand glowing. I was shaken, but I managed to stutter, "Wh-what are y-you d-doing h-here?"

Claude ignored my question and said, calmly, "You're safe now, mistress."

I absolutely lost it. "SAFE?! WITH YOU AROUND?! DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH!"

"I don't understand."

"DON'T PLAY DUMB! YOU WANT TO KILL ME, YOU DEMON ASSHOLE!"

He frowned. "You think I want to murder you?"

"YES!"

Claude sighed, adjusting his glasses. "I am sworn to protect you. That is part of our contract. It is my duty as your servant to make sure no harm comes to you."

I couldn't calm down. I was still shaken from almost getting hit by a car. I was so confused, and I just...smacked him. I smacked Claude in the face. He didn't react, but he didn't have to for me to immediately feel bad about it. I had never hit anyone before, and from that moment on, I never wanted to do it again.

I looked at Claude with horror and apologized. "It is quite alright, mistress," he replied, calmly.

"No, it's not! You just saved my life, and I hit you!"

"You need not be concerned with me. If it makes you happy to strike me, then do so."

"No! You're not a punching bag! You're a living being who deserves respect! I was wrong!" I could feel the tears drop from my eyes and down my face as guilt took over me.

Claude said nothing for a moment, then, when he did speak, he said, "Come, mistress. Let's go home. It is late, and you need your rest."

I didn't know what else to do. I threw my arms around him and hugged him, sobbing, apologizing over and over. He cupped my chin and stared into my eyes. "Don't waste your apologies on a demon. I am here to do what is required of me. I am not a being that deserves compassion."

I pulled back. "You might think that, but you're wrong. You saved my life even after I thought the worst of you. That alone makes you worthy of my respect."

He sighed. "Whatever you wish, mistress. Let us go home."

I nodded, and he picked me up, carrying me in his arms while running with supernatural speed all the way home. We didn't talk about tonight anymore.

I feel a little better now, but I still can't sleep. At least I can sleep in since it's the weekend.