She takes a moment to remember how to breathe, and draws in a good amount of air to deliver the life-saving speech. But the words don’t come. What does is an almost exasberated sigh, and her eyes widen in horror. This is not the moment to falter.

“Nothing?” he says. He fingers the trigger of a gleaming silver pistol, directing the shot somewhere between her eyes.

“Please,” she croaks.

“Please? Wow...

You blink up at me. I reach out a hand, and you drive your face against my palm, a low rumble in your throat. It's dark, but your green eyes shine like headlights and your dark fur conceals you in the shadows. I groan as you step over my gut. You press your cold, black nose against my cheek. I trace the bridge with my finger. You yawn, showing your scraggly teeth and I blow air into your face. Thi...

Birds circled overhead. My eyes tracked them, even in the distance. Their huge black wings beat against the warm current. If they found me, I'd be their gift. I wondered faintly if they would see me or smell me first. From what I knew about the birds, I guessed the latter. But I didn't know much. As I watched them, the sun moved gradually above the horizon, and the heat encase...