Rachel’s ears were stiff, scanning for danger.  She heard something rushing through the smoke and then it was gone; not a sound.  Swallowing nervously, she backed up a little, supporting Scarlet against her body without effort.  What is that?  He was there, and then he vanished. Her ears twitched as she heard someone’s footsteps appear out of nowhere from within …

Rachel waited for the man to get ready, sitting on a foldable chair.  He took out the needle to stick into her vein; she held out her hand, but he seemed a little confused.  “Umm, I can’t see any veins?” After a little study, he added an elastic tourniquet and waited, but still, her arm didn’t change. She hummed.  “That’s …

Rachel waited in the room for what seemed hours; Zoe had quickly fallen asleep against her shoulder, her soft purrs bringing a faint smile to Rachel’s lips.  She’d gently guided her head down to a pillow on her lap after she’d drifted off. I never thought I’d hear a person actually purr like a cat. Her rabbit ears were twitching …

Rachel sat back on her bed and scooted up against the wall, hugging her legs; she had to pull her hair over her shoulders to keep it out of the way.  The chaos continued as the radio played. “The police have been overrun in Miami Beach; if you are there, then please find a safe place, a gang of people …

Rachel set the last cardboard box on her dorm room bed; taking a deep breath, she sat down, sullenly looking over her roommate’s side of the room.  It was bright and colorful, reflecting her bubbly personality; they’d talked online earlier that week. Her previous roommate had dropped out of Miami University, leaving an opening for her. Taking out her cellphone, …