Side Chapter 6: Out Of The Shell
When it came to the great arms race of nature, no species seems to have gotten the short end of the stick like rabbits, at least in the mind of Ellie that is. Ellie was a second year high school student at Midtown High, one of the more modest schools in the city. She was a dwarf rabbit, which meant that her life was almost always in peril. She was small, frail, weak, and to top it all off nearsighted. Ellie was well aware that if anything ever went wrong, she was going to die. End of story.
This generalized existential terror really put a damper on just above everything. Ellie didn't really have friends because she was too scared to talk to anyone and refused to join any clubs or groups. Once the school bell rang at the end of the day, she was running back to the safety of her home. This general aversion to being much of a person really limited her social life.
(Stick close to the wall, eyes on the ground. Don't want to trip, most day to day injuries are because people don't watch where they step. And I can avoid drawing the attention of larger animals.)
Ellie saw the legs of some larger animal and quickly pressed against the wall to avoid a collision. The animal, a female elephant, didn't seem to have noticed her at all. Ellie breathed a sigh of relief.
(Close call. Elephants are the most likely large mammalian to accidentally crush somebody. Their trunks apparently impede their vision near their feet somewhat when not looking carefully. A guinea pig died a year and a half ago when she got stepped on by an elephant. She was apparently killed immediately. Sounds like a not too bad way to go though, you don't suffer at least.)
Ellie quickly walked to her locker and began getting ready to dash back home to her safe, quiet room where the temperature was always perfect to prevent illness, and a humidifier minimized the risk of nosebleeds. She didn't notice a few other small herbivores creeping up beside her until one of them, a jackrabbit, yelled "Boo!" as loud as possible in Ellie's ear. Ellie squealed and jumped away from the noise, landing on her butt with a loud thump. The four herbivores laughed as she looked up at them in embarrassment. The ringleader, a hedgehog, snickered.
"Ellie, you must be the biggest coward I've ever seen! And… oh my gosh! I think she pissed herself!"
Bennet looked down in terror and hurriedly closed her legs, both to not reveal what was up her skirt and just in case the other girl was right. She didn't think she'd lost continence, but she wasn't rolling the dice. The four herbivores laughed harder and closed in around Ellie. The jokes and teasing hurt, but the fact that up until middle school these girls had been Ellie's friends hurt more. The hedgehog shook her head and pointed at the ceiling.
"You forgot to look up to see if any pianos were going to fall on you!"
Another one laughed,
"Or around the corner, just in case there's a scary predator there!"
A third girl guffawed,
"Or behind you! In case the boogey man is there!"
"You little turds are in front of my locker. Move."
The herbivores all flinched and turned to face the speaker. A massive female tiger glared down at the five of them dispassionately. Immediately the four bullies scattered, leaving Ellie frozen in fear on the floor. Her mind raced as the tigress gave her an irritated look.
(Tiger! Big, scary tiger! Tigers are the most vengeful carnivores on the planet! They carry grudges longer than any other species! So I need to not make her mad!)
The tiger raised an eyebrow before using her leg to push Ellie to the side. She muttered "Weirdo" as she opened her locker. Ellie didn't dare move. She didn't even dare to breathe as the tiger got her belongings and slammed her locker closed, making Ellie jump at the loud noise. The tiger glanced down at her and let out an annoyed "tch" sound and rolled her eyes.
"Rabbits."
The tiger turned and walked away. Ellie waited until she was completely out of sight before letting out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She held her hand over her chest as her heart practically was beating its way out of her ribcage. Ellie slumped against the lockers.
(I was scared I wasn't going to make it for a bit there! That tiger is terrifying!)
Ellie jumped to her feet and frantically pulled her belongings out of her locker as she barely refrained from sprinting out of the building. She hurried (safely) off school grounds and back home to the building where she and her family lived. As Ellie opened the door of her home, her mother called out,
"Hi, Ellie. How was school?"
"Terrifying. I almost died two times today!"
"Uhuh, I did laundry today. Your clean clothes are on your bed."
"Did you—"
"Yes, I used hypo-allergenic detergent."
"Thanks, mom."
Ellie walked to her room and closed the door. She then set down her bag and turned on her air purifier, humidifier, and her aromatherapy dispenser. She sighed as she settled into the beanbag chair she had in the corner of her room. It was arguably the safest chair of all. No wooden frame to give splinters, no moving metal bits to pinch you, and no plastic that could break and cut you. Finally, she was perfectly safe. She pulled out her tablet and opened up her favorite online forum for public safety discussions. She scrolled past the newest post about ice warnings and when the next Odd Soul Festival was and froze as she saw a trending post.
(Crimson Smile Strikes Again.)
Ellie gulped and opened the post.
(Two days ago, just outside my building, another body was found that was killed by Crimson Smile. Same M.O. same everything. This one was a male wolf. Had the blood drained out and teeth and claws removed. Please tell me what to do, I'm so scared. I'm a carnivore and he only kills carnivores.)
The first reply was,
(Wait, this guy(s?) are still active?! I haven't heard about Crimson Smile on the news in months! Is this for real?!)
Somebody had replied to this,
(Yeah, it's legit. There have been five more murders. The news just won't cover it anymore because of how crazy people were acting over the whole issue.)
(Isn't this bozo an urban legend? Probably just some druggie who spends too much time online or something.)
(Idk but apparently the victims get drugged, so don't eat crap people give you.)
Ellie shivered. The fact that there was an actual serial killer still at large was terrifying. It scared her almost as much as that story from a while back where some herbivore students had gotten mugged and attacked by a caiman. The city was a dangerous place.
Ellie closed the thread and moved on to the next one, where people were talking about some illegal street racing that was happening at night and that so far had already caused three car accidents. Sometimes she was tempted to just ignore all the bad news in the world, but then she was terrified that she wouldn't know what to look out for. With a sigh she put her tablet away and started to work on her schoolwork.
(I wonder what it's like to be brave and strong. Like that tiger girl today! She didn't sound scared of anything! I bet she doesn't ever have to worry, and all I do is worry. Bet it's nice….)
That night around the dinner table, Ellie's mother looked at her daughter and said,
"You know, I heard that there's a new club forming at your school from one of the other moms. Apparently it's a journalism club! You like news and things like that, so maybe you should give it a try."
Ellie shook her head.
"I don't think so. Staying at school as long as I do is stressful enough. Add on more and I'll go nuts. Besides, that would really mess up my schedule."
Her brother shook his head.
"Yeah, I'm sure that's why you're against it. And not because you're terrified of being around other animals."
"I just don't like groups." Ellie replied. Her father smiled at her.
"It's good to step outside of your comfort zone every once in a while. Give somebody a chance. They might surprise you."
Ellie huffed.
"Yeah, sure. I'll keep that in mind."
Dinner continued on in its usual way, leading to another uneventful and safe night. The next day dawned like any other, with Ellie preparing to return to school for another terrifying day.
(Tissues, check. Hand sanitizer, check. Glasses cleaning kit, check. Toothbrush, check. Toothpaste, check. Emergency snack, check. Emergency bandages, check. Headache medicine, check. Nausea medicine, check. Heartburn medicine, check. Indigestion pills, check. Phone cord, check. Okay… that should be everything I need.)
Ellie headed towards the door with reluctance. Her mother called out,
"By, Ellie. Have a good day!"
"I'll try."
"Don't forget your lunch!"
….
(Lunch, check.)
The school day started like normal. Homeroom, first period, etcetera. However, Ellie's (relatively) comfortable routine was shattered as part way through third period the blaring sounds of the fire alarm rang through the air. Everyone looked around in shock for a few seconds, confused as to what was happening. Finally the teacher began ushering them all out of the classroom and outside. Everyone was talking. Questions about whether or not this was a fire drill rang out, only to be met with uncertainty.
Ellie was barely able to hold back a full blown panic attack. What if the whole school caught fire? How many wouldn't be able to get out? Were they safe out here? Would school be canceled for a while while they rebuilt? Would—
With a jolt Ellie walked straight into someone. She let out a shrill "eep!" and stammered.
"Ah! S-sorry!"
"Watch it."
Ellie looked up in terror to realize that she had just walked into the same scary tiger from yesterday. She felt her blood run cold.
(That's it, I'm dead.)
She backed away, looking up at the felid in terror. The tiger rolled her eyes and went back to scrolling through social media. Ellie proceeded to back into someone else. And this time it was a real doozy. Her old friends turned bullies. The hedgehog scoffed,
"Ellie, why am I not surprised you're in hysterics right now."
The other girls laughed as Ellie reversed course yet again. The girls followed her. Another one held her hands up to her chin and feigned a look of wide-eyed fear.
"Oh d-dear! What's this scary noise! I'm practically a baby who's terrified of thunder!"
Another looked at Ellie's legs.
"Wow, are your knees already wobbling like jelly? You really are a wuss."
Ellie mumbled,
"Can… can you please stop."
The girls all laughed at her pathetic plea. That is, until a loud female voice rang out from above them.
"Hey, can you all piss off and stop being annoying? I'm trying to watch something."
Ellie turned to see the tiger from before giving them all a dirty look from where she was leaning against a tree. The bullies all gave gasps of shock before the hedgehog stepped forward.
"Watch what you say! Carnivores can get in trouble for starting arguments with herbivores."
The tiger sneered.
"And you can get an ear infection after I shove your head in a toilet for being annoying. Which of you wants first?"
The girls hurried away, although the hedgehog looked back and said,
"I'm reporting you to a teacher!"
The tiger laughed.
"Go ahead! See if I care!"
This caused the bullies to visibly stumble over themselves to be the first to get away from the tiger. The big cat, for her part, just shook her head and went back to her phone. Ellie was shocked. Had this girl stuck up for her? As if to answer her question, the tiger added,
"That means you, too. Go cower somewhere else."
Ellie did just that quite happily. She found a secluded spot a little bit away from the tree and sat down to collect herself. Ellie had to admit she had no idea what to do right now. Should she call somebody? Maybe text her mom? Or her dad? She shivered in the chill winter air. She should have brought a warmer coat. She might catch a cold, and if she caught a cold she'd definitely get a sinus infection.
Ellie was sitting slumped in her own misery when she noticed a group of animals heading towards where the scary tiger from before was standing. She saw her bullies with the school superintendent in tow. Ellie gulped as the girls pointed at the tiger and began talking to the superintendent, a stern looking Afghan hound. The superintendent, followed by the small herbivores, began speaking to the scary female tiger. Should she say something? The tiger was clearly getting a stern talking to.
(No way, that would be so stupid. What would I even say? I don't even know that tiger! But she did protect me from those girls twice now, even if she didn't mean to.)
Even as her mind froze, Ellie's legs were slowly carrying her towards the group. The tiger looked peeved beyond words as the superintendent continued,
"—I shouldn't need to remind you that making violent threats against herbivores is strictly against the rules! I can't believe—"
"E-e-excuse me."
Everyone turned and looked at her. Immediately, Ellie froze and averted her eyes. The superintendent gave her a look of annoyance.
"I'm sorry, but I'm in the middle of something. If you have a question about the fire alarm please direct it to a teacher."
Ellie watched as the superintendent turned back to the tiger. Ellie shyly raised a hand.
"Um… excuse me."
The canid sighed and turned back to her.
"Yes?"
"W-well. You see… she, that is the tiger, she, um, she was, well, she was actually just…. These girls were bullying me and s-she made them stop."
The hedgehog stomped forward and Ellie flinched backwards, raising an arm defensively.
"That is not true! We were not bullying her!"
The tiger sneered at the hedgehog.
"So knocking her to the ground yesterday was just some playful banter?"
"She fell on her own!"
The superintendent raised a hand.
"Enough! I don't care who did what to whom! You—" she wheeled on the tiger, "are not to make aggressive remarks to any classmates!"
She spun on the hedgehog and her cronies.
"And you! I will be watching you. I'd heard reports of bullying, and I will have it known that bullying of any kind will not be tolerated at my school. Understood?"
The hedgehog began to protest.
"But I—"
"Did I make myself clear!"
The hedgehog glowered at Ellie.
"Yes."
"Good. Now I think it's best if you separate yourselves from each other."
The superintendent gave them all stern looks before marching off. Ellie looked at the ground and saw the legs of the hedgehog and her lackies move towards her. The hedgehog hissed,
"Ellie. You are dead."
Ellie cringed and shrank inward, absolutely petrified by the idea of having a massive target on her back. But a rather menacing voice came from the tree.
"Give that rabbit any crap and you'll have me to answer to. Think about that before you try something."
The hedgehog and Ellie looked over at the tiger in surprise. The hedgehog spluttered,
"Y-you heard the superintendent! You can't—"
The tiger leaned down with a big smile, a smile that showed off her large, sharp fangs.
"You're right. I'd never do something on school grounds. But I might come over to your place so we can talk things over. Maybe… over dinner?"
The tigress's eyes flashed wickedly. Ellie's bullies recoiled and looked at each other in uncertainty. Finally, the lead girl sniffed.
"Let's go, girls! I hope Ellie gets eaten by her new friend here!"
And with that, the girls were hurrying away. Ellie slowly looked up at the tigress and gulped.
"Why… did you…."
The tiger shrugged and pulled out her phone.
"You did me a good turn with the superintendent. Figured I'd return the favor. Those snotty little assholes bug you, just let me know."
Ellie nodded, feeling dazed. This had all happened so fast. The school fire alarm, the bullies, now this. The room was spinning. But she was outside? So the world was spinning? But didn't it already spin and that's why there was day and night?!
The next thing Ellie knew she was propped up against a tree with a strong breeze blowing in her face. She opened her eyes to find that the tigress was fanning her face with a notebook and giving her a confused look. The larger female spoke.
"Wakey wakey! Up and attem sleeping beauty!"
"I… wahhh?"
"You fainted, ya ditz. Almost knocked your head on a rock when you fell, if you hadn't landed on my foot that is."
"Oh. Sorry."
"You okay? Is this, like, a bloodsugar thing? Do you need a candy bar?"
Ellie began to try to stand back up. How humiliating it was to faint again. Like a damsel in distress from some cheesy romance movie. She just constantly fainted and fainted again. Ellie explained,
"No, I just… got a little overwhelmed is all. It happens pretty frequently."
The tiger held out her hand.
"Is that why those bitches were making fun of you?"
Ellie shook her head and gingerly accepted the large, clawed hand. But the tigress was surprisingly gentle as she hoisted Ellie to her feet.
"No, they really started making fun of me in sixth grade after I…."
Ellie hesitated. The tiger held her hands up.
"No need to spill any embarrassing secrets to me. I get it, crap happens."
Ellie felt something odd. She… wanted to confide in this strange and brash female. Maybe because this tigress was everything she wished she was. Brave, strong, and confident. Not a shy coward who couldn't look anyone in the eye. Ellie gulped.
"No, it's okay. I-I want to tell you. You stuck up for me, and that means a lot. And you deserve to know…."
The tigress raised an eyebrow.
"Wait, was it something really bad? Like… criminal or something like that?"
Ellie shook her head, her face flushing.
"N-no. It's just… I'm a massive coward."
"…Okay? And?"
"And… in sixth grade I climbed the top of the jungle gym with those girls. But I was too terrified to get back down."
"Hey, that stuff happens. No shame in—"
"And then I peed myself…."
"…Oh."
Ellie immediately felt embarrassed. Why had she told this story? She was so awkward! This was practically a total stranger! And now she just looked like a weirdo to her!
Ellie's internal panic was interrupted when the tiger shrugged.
"Eh, it's no big deal. Stuff happens."
"B-but that was really gross and humiliating. And I was way too old for something like that."
"If it makes you feel better, two years ago I rode the Hurricane at Adventure World and threw up all over myself. Absolutely disgusting."
Ellie was digesting that tidbit of information when the fire alarm stopped and the principal of the school stood up on the main steps and spoke through a megaphone.
"Attention everyone! The issue that caused the alarm has been dealt with. It was simply a small accident in the chemistry lab that set off the smoke detectors. You may all return to class!"
Ellie breathed a sigh of relief. There was no danger. The tigress yawned and picked up her bag.
"Well, see you around."
Ellie stared after her as she walked off, animals parting for her as she strode through the crowds.
"See you later…."
It was a very strange experience for Ellie, the rest of that day. No bullies at lunch, no teasing in the halls, and only the faintest sign of them at her locker. They began to head towards her as school let out before a locker slammed shut just behind Ellie. They all jumped and turned to see the massive tigress slowly shaking her head at the group of girls. They all went wide eyes and scurried away as she slowly pointed from her eyes to them, signaling that she was watching them. Ellie waved shyly at her protector before closing her locker. The tigress nodded in return.
That afternoon as she got home from school, her mother asked her usual question.
"Hi, Ellie. How was school?"
"It was okay."
There was a brief silence before hurried footsteps came towards her. Ellie's mother gave her a confused look as she got near.
"What happened?"
"Nothing! I said nothing happened."
"Exactly! Usually you say that you almost died or something!"
"I just… had a decent day."
"Oh? What made it so decent? Did you meet a boy?"
Ellie shook her head.
"No."
"Then?"
"I… think I made a friend? Or, maybe an acquaintance?"
"Oh? What's her name?"
"…."
"You did ask her what her name was, right?"
The next day at school, Ellie nervously scanned the hallways for the tiger from before. She still had some very mixed feelings about this animal. On one hand, she was absolutely terrifying and scared Ellie half to death. On the other, she scared off her bullies and seemed to view her at least favorably. As such, the smart course of action was to keep her at a safe distance but still maintain friendly contact. As such, Ellie nervously shuffled over to the tiger as she ate her lunch while sitting on a bench with some other large carnivores. The tigress noticed her and waved.
"What's up? Those girls giving you trouble?"
Ellie shook her head.
"N-no."
"Good. Probably scared them half to death."
Ellie nodded. The tiger watched her for a second before nodding slowly.
"Alright then. See you around."
"Uh, actually…."
Ellie squirmed as those eyes settled on her. With a squeak she asked,
"W-what's your name?"
"Me? Delilah."
"I'm Ellie. Bye!"
And with that, Ellie turned and fled. It happened gradually, but Ellie was noticing a change in her enjoyment of school as a whole. Without having to be afraid anymore, she felt much less stressed about going to school, and as such wasn't in nearly as much of a hurry to leave in the afternoons. Usually she just followed Delilah and her friends from a safe distance and worked on homework from a few tables away, but occasionally she actually talked to some of the students around her. However, she still didn't feel comfortable socializing much, and kept that to a minimum.
One day during lunch, Ellie was skulking around where Delilah was eating like usual when she was startled by Delilah talking to nobody in particular.
"Care to join me?"
It was Thursday, which meant that Delilah ate alone so she could work on some sort of project on her computer. So who was she speaking to?
"Hey, Ellie. Stop stalking me and get your cottontail ass over here."
Ellie gulped and hesitantly walked over to Delilah. The tigress smirked at her and gestured towards the seat beside her. Ellie cautiously accepted the seat and squirmed awkwardly under the carnivore's piercing gaze. Delilah laughed.
"You are one strange bunny."
Ellie gave her a nervous smile in return.
"You… knew I was following you?"
"You have been for weeks. I just figured it'd be nice to actually talk for once."
"Oh."
"So, I'm guessing you aren't in any clubs, given you just stalk me after school."
"I'm not… stalking you."
"Uhuh, so what are you doing?"
"I'm…."
Ellie wasn't sure how to answer that. Why exactly was she following Delilah and her friends around like this? It wasn't because she wanted to join them. The very thought of being in the midst of a whole group of carnivores made her feel woozy. So what was it? Why was she so obsessed with Delilah? Almost unbidden, the answer spilled out of her mouth.
"I'm… jealous of you."
"What?"
Ellie nodded.
"You're so… confident. You have friends, you go out shopping and on trips to cool places. I'm a coward who barely manages to leave her room each morning. I wish I had your confidence. Nothing bothers you."
Delilah laughed.
"Are you serious?"
Ellie looked down, embarrassed. With a snort, Delilah continued.
"Ellie, you think I'm confident? Here's a little hint. I'm just as nervous as everyone else is. I just hide it."
Ellie looked up and shook her head.
"I don't believe that. People in movies always say things like that but there's no way they actually mean that. That's just what brave animals say to make us weaklings feel better."
Delilah rolled her eyes and began counting on her fingers.
"This morning I was worried that my fur would be a mess because it was so tangled when I woke up. I was terrified people would notice the blemish on my chin that I covered in makeup. I was scared to get on the train because I don't like enclosed spaces. And to top it all off, I was embarrassed that I just spilled ketchup on my shirt and had to desperately wash it off and wear my sweater closed to hide it."
Delilah revealed a light red stain on her shirt to prove her point. She then leaned towards Ellie a bit.
"Do you know what your problem is?"
Ellie shook her head.
"Ellie, your problem is you let your fear control you. Instead, control your fear. You'll be happier if you do."
Ellie gulped.
"Easier said than done. How am I supposed to even start?"
Delilah pursed her lips.
"Tell you what, meet me in front of the school after classes today. I have an idea."
(This is not what I had in mind!)
Ellie sat with her back completely straight in her seat. Apparently Delilah's grand idea was to take a bus… somewhere. Ellie hid a whimper as best she could as a massive crocodile stamped past her to exit the bus. Delilah was just calmly staring out the window. Ellie had no idea how she was so calm. This bus was crowded and noisy, two things Ellie hated. Ellie flinched a bit as Delilah loomed down towards her.
"Wow, your skin looks perfect! What's your skincare routine?"
Ellie gasped,
"W-what?"
"Your skincare routine. Your fur is pristine, and I don't see a single blemish on you. It's amazing. How do you do it?"
Ellie looked at her lap and raised a hand to her cheek. Her skin was… remarkable? But nothing about her was remarkable. Delilah laughed.
"C'mon, I won't tell. It'll be our secret! I'm mainly curious because I keep getting these awful little irritated bumps on my face that are so gross!"
Ellie wrung her hands.
"Well… I make my own face cream."
"Really?!"
Ellie nodded.
"I have really sensitive skin. Most soaps and shampoos give me a rash. So I learned how to make an all natural balm from aloe, honey, coconut, and olive oil. It keeps me from breaking out with eczema or dry skin."
"Are you being serious?"
Ellie nodded. She was honestly a little embarrassed by all this. Why was Delilah so interested in her skin? Delilah slowly reached two fingers towards Ellie's face.
"May I?"
Ellie took a steadying breath before nodding. She tried to hold still as Delilah gently touched her face, but still shuddered in fear as the tiger touched her. However, Delilah either didn't mind or didn't notice as she gently rubbed Ellie's cheek.
"Wow, it's so silky and soft. Can you let me try some of this cream you make?"
Ellie shrugged.
"Well… I guess."
"Thanks! Want me to walk home with you so I can get it?"
"Oh… okay."
This was a new side to the tiger. Ellie had seen the fearless and bold Delilah that chased away bullies, but this was a whole new tiger who was warm and friendly. She was… much more complicated than Ellie originally thought.
The bus rolled to a stop and Delilah gestured with a quick jerk of her head.
"We're here, let's go."
Ellie followed the tiger off the bus and out onto the street. Rising above them was a tall building of glass and steel. Delilah walked forward.
"In here."
Ellie followed with growing curiosity and nervousness as she was led through the lobby of the building and towards the shiny metal door of the elevator. They both got in the small space and Delilah pressed a button marked "21". The doors closed with barely a whisper and the elevator moved with a soft lurch. Ellie squeaked and grabbed the handrail. Delilah grinned at her.
"Relax! You're fine."
Ellie nodded shakily and watched the number on the display rise. Two… eight… twelve… nineteen… twenty one. The doors opened with a "ding" and Delilah stepped out into a dimly lit room. Sculptures and paintings lined the walls and a handful of animals wandered slowly through the corridor. Ellie tilted her head.
"Where are we?"
"It's a public art display by a local college. But there's one part I really want you to see."
Ellie followed Delilah towards a bright light at the end of the room. Ellie was looking behind her when she saw the dim corridor disappear, replaced by… nothing. Ellie spun around and gasped in terror, a scream catching in her throat. They were standing on nothing, looking down at the ground twenty-one stories below. Ellie scrambled back towards the safety of the corridor, but Delilah held out a hand to stop her.
"Calm down, it's just a glass floor."
Ellie squeezed her eyes shut and clung onto Delilah's arm.
"Please! I can't do this! It's too scary!"
"Ellie, trust me. It's worth it."
"I can't! I just can't!"
"Ellie, I'll hold your hand the entire way. You can do this. It's time to face your fear."
Ellie whined, but slowly nodded. She kept her eyes squeezed shut as Delilah slowly guided her across the dizzying section of the floor. After what felt like eternity, they stopped. Delilah pointed her head in a direction and said,
"Open your eyes."
"Nooooo." Ellie moaned.
"Please."
With great effort, Ellie cracked open her eyes. What she saw took her breath away. She was floating above the sparkling bay that the city curved around. The bridge was a tiny line in the distance as sunlight glittered on the water. It was indescribable, the only thing Ellie could think was that this was what it must be like to be a god. Ellie slowly crept forward and looked down at miniature boats and cars that crept along like toys in a sandbox. Different colored and shaped panes had been hung around the room, distorting and diffracting the sunlight into a collage of flickering, ephemeral beauty. Delilah chuckled.
"Well? Was I right? Is it worth it?"
Ellie's fear was gone, replaced with a wonder she hadn't ever known. The world was dangerous and scary, but it was also beautiful. It was something she had never considered before.
Delilah stayed true to her word and walked home with Ellie, the two excitedly talking about the various pieces in the art exhibition. Ellie hurried to her room and returned to Delilah with a small container of her homemade face cream, and the two parted with cries of "see you tomorrow." As the family ate dinner that night, Ellie's mother smiled at her daughter.
"So where were you this afternoon?"
Ellie smiled as she swallowed a mouthful of peas.
"I went to see an art exhibition with my friend."
"How was it?"
"Amazing!"
Her father tilted his head.
"So what's this friend of yours like?"
Ellie thought for a second. And then grinned.
"Well, she's scary and dangerous… but also beautiful and kind at the same time."