The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with purple, pink, and orange hues. It was difficult to see in the city; buildings towered over all living things and endeavored to touch the Earth's ceiling, crowding around and blocking Cat's view. She sat by the window in her apartment, focusing on her attempt to spot the sky among the skyscrapers. Despite her best efforts, her thoughts wandered to the main thing that was on her mind and had been since the trial had ended.

The verdict had been in her, and ultimately, in Mr. Peabody's favor. As surprised as Cat was, the court ordered the man who hurt Mr. Peabody to pay reparations to Cat. Most of the money went to the court costs.

Although she was relieved that the trial was over and she wasn't the one punished, Cat couldn't help but feel uneasy and had to control her emotions so she wouldn't begin panicking. She knew Ms. Grunion was an influential woman, and both Mr. Retterman and Mr. Peabody warned her that she wouldn't accept the defeat easily.

Besides being concerned about that, there was one other thing Cat was worried about: Mr. Peabody knew her secret, and that fact would never change no matter how the trial had turned out. A thousand possibilities ran through her head, and a thousand solutions for her problem appeared, almost simultaneously.

A knock at her front door snapped her out of her session of deep thought. She got up and answered it. Mr. Peabody was standing in the doorway. Cat stared at him for a moment, then moved to the side and quietly spoke. "Come in."

The canine walked into the apartment. "I wanted to check up on you; we've barely spoken since the trial."

"Hm. Yeah," Cathleen murmured, slowly shutting the door.

Mr. Peabody stood near the woman, who kept her back toward him. They stood like that for awhile until he broke the silence. "Everything turned out alright, just like we said it would."

"Yes."

"You don't have anything to worry about now; you can work without thinking about the case."

"Funny how you didn't say, 'life can go on as before'."

The canine grew quiet, choosing his next words carefully. "I suppose we both know that would be impossible. However, that is not a terrible thing, is it?"

"For you, it's a great thing," Cathleen stated, bitterly.

"How so?" Mr. Peabody asked, surprised at her tone.

"You know a vampire, a real vampire. You, the scientist, will share your discovery with the world and become even more renowned."

He looked horrified. "Cathleen, I wouldn't! I swore to you that I-"

"What is a promise worth when you can have fame and wealth?" She finally whirled around. Her eyes were glowing a crimson red, and her fangs protruded. "What is loyalty worth when you can gain so much more from exploiting an oddity, a freak?!"

Mr. Peabody stared at her, unwavering. "Cathleen Young, I have no intention of telling anyone you are a vampire. Why do you think so little of me, even after all I've done to help you?"

"You have it all, but it will never be enough."

"Who are you to say what my desires are? Besides, you're being illogical. If I had wanted more attention, I would have just announced your secret at the trial."

"How can I trust you not to tell anyone? I was a fool to let you know."

"You will just have to trust me."

"I can't risk that."

"Then, what do you suggest?" Mr. Peabody began to sound hurt.

"I'm leaving."

"Leaving New York?"

"Yes. I can't afford to stay here and be outed."

Mr. Peabody stepped back as if he had been hit. Cat could tell he was clearly trying to steady his voice. "I don't want you to leave. We've been through so much, and I consider you a friend."

Cat looked away, the red in her eyes fading back to blue. "I'm sorry, but I must consider my safety."

"Of course. I wish you well." He didn't protest anymore and walked past her, stopping before he got to the door. "I never considered you an oddity or a freak. I hope someday you can accept yourself. Goodbye, Cathleen." With those words, he left the apartment, and Cat was alone once more.

The sound of the door shutting made an icy wave wash over her, a feeling that was colder than her own skin. She collapsed on her knees, overcome with emotional pain. The only being who had ever cared about her just left, and she had been the one to push him away. She had to do it, not only for her safety, but for his. This was the way things should be; every day he had been in her presence, she had put him in danger, and now, he was safe, safe from her and anyone who would want to harm him because of her.

Cat struggled to lift herself up off the floor and stand. All she could think about was leaving, and she shakily packed her things, trying not to let her thoughts wander to Mr. Peabody, to his kindness, his charity, his blood.

His blood.

Her eyes widened as she thought about his blood racing through his veins, warm and sweet and satisfying. Ever since she first had a taste of it, she couldn't stop craving it. She had had to hide this fact from him, as she couldn't possibly tell him. It didn't matter now; she would never see him again.

Cat threw down the suitcase, growling in frustration. She had nothing of value in the whole world, so packing was pointless. She shoved the suitcase in her small closet, then left the apartment through the front door, leaving the city behind in the night.