Alicia

***

Vie is yelling about something yet again as I look out my window. Red flashes in the woods and I sit up, watching Sami sprint in a panic. Only one thought is in my mind.

Sami needs help.

I open my window and jump out into the darkening evening. Catching up to her and a woman who must be her mother is not difficult. They stop before reaching the open lawn and I take this opportunity to ask, “What’s wrong?”

“What are you doing here?” snaps Sami.

“I saw you from my window-”

“Who are you?” Sami’s mother mirrors her daughter’s expression.

“I’m your new neigh-” I begin.

“That doesn’t matter.” Yeesh! Rude much? “Did you pick up your brother’s scent, Sami?” She sniffs the air.

“Yes. It goes into town.”

Sami’s mother growls, “This is why you must watch your brother! How are we supposed to find him in a human town looking like this?!” She gestures her furry body, agitated.

“Um,” I raise my hand slightly and they look at me, “I have a friend who’s a flasher and I bet she can help.”