#*( open. )

"Hey, watch out."

It was noticeable at the monthly meetings. One month, her seat was empty. The second month, it was empty again. By the third month, someone had taken it.

This month, however, there was a familiar figure sitting in it. She was always early to these meetings, but something was changed about her. It may have been that her once simple appearance had altered. Her straightened red hair, was now a wild tangle of curls that barely held together with a claw clip. Her once plain gray dress suit was replaced with tweed pants and a frilled blouse. Her former 'porcelain skin' was now speckled with freckles, and her only makeup was a dash of red lipstick.

Even her demeanor had shifted. When it was her turn to speak, she had always practiced her English at these meetings, where her voice was humble and quiet. This time around she spoke passionately in French, relying on a translator to get her words across. But her voice was strong and assertive, a contrast to her former passive self. One can even see the passion in her face as she talked, her voice rising and interrupting others when they interrupt her.

When it finally came time to a recess, Mer left her belongings and joined a group of Francophone nations, smoking a cigarette and engaging in lively conversation. Her laughter was loud and carefree, her smile wide and genuine. There was something different about her.

After her chatter, she excused herself to finish her smoke by sitting on a railing, smoking and observing passerby.

    [ . . . / / S . H ]                 ❝       my   dad   and   grandpa   have   been   spending   the   last   few   weeks,   stressing   over   how   perfect   everything   for   the   launch   has   to   be.   I   just   need   a   breather   right   now   from   it.   ❞       palms   pressed   against   the   cold   cement   rails.   champagne   glass   to   her   right   while   the   other   was   to   her   left.   gaze   fell   to   the   drop   from   the   balcony   for   a   moment   before   she   chuckled   and   looked   at   who   was   beside   her.   ❝    thanks   by   the   way   –   for   keeping   me   company.   ❞

delicate fingers dripped with warm blood, letting it splatter down into the pool below. the body laid beneath her twisted yet still intact. hunger drew her inwards for the kill-- fresh was better than old remains. she could fend on her own, yet the presence of someone would be enough to pull her away from the meal in front of her.