Page 20 of Once Upon a Fable

This place was nameless now.

Just like me.

Exhaling hard, I shoved my thoughts away. Thoughts were bad. Actions were good. I had a shit ton to do and didn’t need my minddelaying me any longer.

My legs worked on autopilot, taking me home. Birds sang in happy tunes, chipmunks argued in the undergrowth, and my valley gave no hint that the predator from this morning remained.

Good.

I didn’t fancy taking on another bear. My encounter with one that first autumn, when I still had so much to learn, had almost meant my death. I’d almost lost.Almost.

My fingers trailed over the scars he’d left behind on my torso. He’d wanted to claim the house as his own. I’d said no. We’d...argued. He’d left, and I hadn’t seen him since.

I often wondered if he was still alive or if the seasons had claimed him like they’d tried to claim me.

The shadow of the house welcomed me back as I stepped over the threshold into the kitchen. With a practiced toss, I threw the soaked boxers into the sink and kept striding toward the stairs that led to the dorm—

Wait.

I spun around.

The door.

It’s wide open!

Ineverleave it open.

Ever!

You didn’t latch it this morning.

You were too eager to bolt.

Maybe the wind blew it open?

I scowled outside at the calm trees and soft breeze.

It hadn’t been windy all day.

There was nowaythe heavy door would’ve opened on its own.

Intruder.

What kind of animal? What weapon would I need?

My eyes dropped to the floor, searching for tracks.

Claw marks.

Pad indents.

Slither hints.

I ducked to my haunches, running my fingers over the tile.

I stopped breathing.

I couldn’t move.