Page 21 of Small Town, Big Storm

Wide enough that I truly notice them for the first time.

Truly notice theircolor.

Everything inside me seizes and I freeze as…

It clicks.

Why I let Holly drag me to Scoops.Why I accepted the invite to the park.Why Ilingeredwhen the only thing that made sense was leaving.

Holly is Poppy’s doppelganger, in looks and in spirit—having Poppy’s tenacity, her joy, her smile.

But she also has…

Myeyes.

A truth that hits me so hard I don’t move.

Can’tmove.

I just stare as it all rushes through me—that night, the years since, the fact that Poppy.Didn’t.Fucking.Tell.Me.

All of which—unfortunately—gives Gerald another opportunity to be an asshole.

“Ow!”I cry as he pecks at me again, his wings beating against my legs, his claws…well,clawingat my pants.

Holly screams.

Chloe gasps.

Poppy shouts.

And…

Well,Iend up face first in the tanbark.

Seven

Poppy

I winceas Storm falls forward, tipping dangerously toward the mulch lining the ground of the play area.

Then blink as he somehow twists and lands in a crouch.

“Oh, my God,” I whisper, the speed at which he just moved taking my breath away.

“Honk!”Gerald says, launching himself at Storm again.

Who’s suddenly on his feet, scooping up Gerald and carrying the wrestling, protesting, flapping bird out of the park.

I stand there for a minute, watching.

Then Mom Mode activates and I’m running toward Holly and Chloe.“Are you guys okay?”I ask.

Both of their eyes are wide.

“Gerald went crazy,” Holly whispers.

I nod in agreement, thinking that they’re right, and also that Gerald must really not like Storm.Usually, he’ll hiss and honk and flap his wings and definitely take any and all chances to steal food, but actually attacking someone?