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tangrena2: "Whatever it was, it's probably long gone," put in Eleanor. (One evening, 30)
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tangrena2: Eleanor set down the lamp. (One evening, 31)
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tangrena2: "It must have been an animal," said Cristabel, "Unless it was the wind." (One evening, 32)
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tangrena2: "Probably it jumped back into the tree!" ventured Annie. (One evening, 33)
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tangrena2: "I HOPE it was an animal," thought Polly, but did not say so, as Cristabel briskly re-entered the kitchen. (One evening, 34)
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tangrena2: Annie was about to follow... (One evening, 35)
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tangrena2: ...when her eye was caught by something behind the door. A gleam, for a second? An extra-dark bit of shadow? (One evening 36)
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tangrena2: She eased the door closed to get a better look at the shadow. (One evening 37)
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tangrena2: Two gold eyes peered at her.
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tangrena2: There was a tiny growl, a little hiss.
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tangrena2: When she knelt down to get closer, the thing moved further into hiding.
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tangrena2: When Annie reached her hand toward its hiding place, it suddenly flared out with both paws, claws extended.
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tangrena2: And yet, was there also a longing to touch?
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tangrena2: Winter Light, Kitchen
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tangrena2: In fire season, a lowering sun filters through the dollhouse window, casting red reflections on the floor.