Last night seemed like a bad dream, but I have to face the fact that it really did happen. When I woke up, the first thing I thought of was how I was going to make it up to Claude. To do that, I had to learn more about him. I couldn't make it too obvious that I wanted to do something nice for him, so when I talked to him during breakfast, I just made it sound like I was curious about him. I asked him what his likes and dislikes were. He looked at me as if I had two heads. Apparently, no one has ever bothered to ask him questions about himself, which is kinda sad. Surely, I can't be the first one he's met who's ever cared about him. He basically said that he didn't like or not like anything in particular. It was then that I knew that I'd have to find out some other way.

After breakfast, I told Claude that he didn't have to do any work that afternoon and he could spend that time doing anything he wanted.

"That's very considerate of you, mistress, but-"

I wouldn't take no for an answer. "You deserve a break. I can take care of myself. You don't have to do everything," I told Claude. In the end, I had to order him to take some time off. He didn't seem too thrilled, but he obeyed. Maybe all he likes is work.

I snuck around, trying to stay out of his sight. He sat in the living room and...knitted. I couldn't tell exactly what he was knitting, but I was surprised, nonetheless. If he liked knitting, then I could get him some supplies as a gift.

I lied and told Claude I was going to go to the park. He insisted on going with me, but I refused and told him to stay home and relax. He sighed and did as he was told. It felt really weird to be able to tell someone what to do. If I had tried ordering Mom around, I would have gotten bitched at.

I looked up online where the nearest craft store was, and luckily, there was one not too far from where we lived. I decided to walk there since I needed the exercise, anyway.

As I went on my walk, I started thinking about how my life had changed so suddenly in the span of a few days. If anyone had told me a week ago that I would be living in a nice house in Chicago, I would have laughed and called them insane. In fact, I've kinda been doubting my own sanity. What if I really am crazy and this is all some messed-up dream I'm having? When I start thinking like that, my right shoulder begins to hurt as if the contract symbol itself is reminding me of the promise I made. In some weird way, the pain keeps me grounded. It feels nice.

After a while, I got to the craft store, out of breath and warm. The temperature hasn't dropped much, yet. I was first greeted by cool air and a friendly, "Hello," from the cashier, who asked if I needed help with anything. I told her I was looking for knitting supplies, and she showed me needles and yarn and some books. I bought some and then took my time looking around. I was in no hurry to start walking back. By the time I had finished, the sun was beginning to go down, though it was still fairly bright outside.

I exited the craft store, carrying a bag full of knitting supplies. I hoped Claude would like them. Knowing what little I did about him, he would probably just thank me and accept the gift, not feeling one way or another about it. At least he wouldn't just laugh in my face or toss it out.

As I walked down the sidewalk, a black car slowed almost to a stop beside me. The driver side window rolled down, and a man's face looked out. "Do you need a ride?" he asked in a gruff voice.

I told him no and kept walking. The man continued to drive beside me. "It's going to get dark soon, and it's dangerous to be out in these parts this late."

I clutched the bag handles, tightly, simply saying I'd be fine, and I walked faster. The car sped up a little, and the man kept trying to coax me to go with him. My heart began racing with fear, and I ran, staying on the sidewalk. The car stopped, and I heard footsteps running toward me. I was suddenly grabbed from behind, and I screamed, though my mouth was soon covered. I knew the man was talking to me, but I couldn't hear what he was saying through my muffled cries.

Suddenly, the contract mark burned my skin, and shortly afterwards, I was free. I quickly turned around and saw that Claude was there, grabbing the man. I called out the demon's name, and he responded, "Don't worry, mistress; I will take care of this filth."

Frowning, Claude dragged my would-be kidnapper behind a building. As I ran toward them, Claude stated, "I must ask you to look away, mistress. You won't want to see this."

I did as I was told...mostly. Turning my head, I looked at another building, where I saw shadows of the man and Claude. Claude's shadow became a giant spider, and I heard the man scream in fear, and soon, in pain. The man's shadow was torn apart by the spider, and soon, the screams stopped.

A few minutes later, Claude walked up to me in his humanoid form, bowing, slightly. "The threat has been taken care of, my lady."

I looked at him, closely. He had no blood on him, and his clothes and body looked as they did before. Finally, all I could say was, "Your gift..."

"My gift?"

I was so shaken up that I couldn't do anything but cry. I had almost been kidnapped! Who knows what would have happened to me if Claude hadn't been there!

Claude picked me up. "Let me take you home. You're in no condition to walk much at this time."

I pointed to the bag on the ground a couple of feet away from us. "That's yours," was all I could say. Claude picked up the bag and carried me home.

When we got back, I sat on the couch while Claude made me some tea. I kept looking out the windows, and I got up and locked the front door. At that moment, Claude came in with a cup of tea. "Mistress, what are you doing?"

I sat back down, unable to answer him at first. Then, I spoke. "I just wanted...to get you something. Open the bag."

"Mistress..."

"Open the bag!" I yelled, on edge.

Claude sighed and did as I told him to. "Knitting supplies?" He seemed puzzled, one of the first times I had ever seen him have any sort of emotion.

"I thought...you'd like it...and forgive me..." I hugged myself.

Claude sighed, softly. "Mistress, this was unnecessary. I don't need material things. All I need is your soul. What a complicated human you are; that means you will be a feast."

My eyes watered, not because he talked about eating my soul, but because even after all the trouble I went through and all the danger I had been in, he didn't care. He sees me as nothing but a meal. He doesn't understand my fear or pain. He just saved me because he had to. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but even now after I've had time to calm down, I was hoping maybe he'd at least be concerned for my safety. I could do anything to him. I could be cruel or kind, mean or nice, and it wouldn't affect him at all. I don't want to be cruel; I refuse to turn out like my mom or my would-be kidnapper. I want to be a decent person, whether people appreciate it or not.