SHE•SHIFTER

Boom. Boom. Boom. I take large, calming breaths, trying to get my heartbeat under control. It amazes me that when fear takes over my body, I am stiff. But my heart is racing. I rest my body up against a bare wall in the hallway of the third floor townhome I lived in. Across from me, a young blonde teen, looking just as fearful as me. His blue eyes are wide as he bites on the ring that pierces his bottom lip. I noticed it was a habit of his to do in stressful situations. It’s quiet. We strain our ears, listening for any sound that would make us continue to the hiding place. But all I could hear was my heart. Squeak. That sounded like a stair. The sound repeats. He’s coming. “Sincere….” He sings my name. “Are you hiding from me?” His words are slurring together. I looked at Sabor, as he was quick to grab my hand and move us further down the hallway to the attic door. I face the stairwell as he works to bring down the ladder. I felt him grab onto my shoulders, turning me the right way

I'm exhausted. My legs hurt and my fingers are kind of cold. I'm grateful the day went by faster than I thought that it would, but I wanted to be safe indoors. The hope of getting home by the stroke of midnight was gone. It was ten minutes later and I had just gotten off at the last stop. The walk home was going to be at least another 15. Not to mention, I was feeling a bit peckish. I knew a corner store was located on the way, so I figured I'd stop and pick up something quick. Water and a Ding Dong. That's it. How simple of me. I stood outside the store, opening the chocolate cake. I held it in the palm of my hand. Happy birthday Sincere. You're a grown woman now. My age seemed to be a formality. My life taught me to act older than what I was. I handled things children shouldn't have too. Really, eighteen meant I didn't have some judge or case worker telling me what I needed to do or where I needed to be. Eighteen meant the chains came off. I wished I had a candle to light for such

I hustled down to the second floor, standing off in the distance where I knew I wouldn't be seen. We didn't get many visitors here. Those who did come weren't there for any good reason, social workers included. The sound of knocking meant trouble was at the front door. The main door of the house had these old hinges, and would squeak when you opened it, a sound that could only be heard on the inside. I listened intently, making out as much of the words as I could. Alone. Attack. Hospital. Sincere. Run. The door closed. I peeked over the wooden railing just as Sabor looked up the stairs, his eyes zeroing in on my face. His sharp jaw was locked and I saw his concern."What?" I asked, needing him to hurry and spill his guts. He rushed up towards me, his feet stomping down on every stair as he applied his weight. He grabbed me by my arm, yanking me into the room. "What happened? Sabor! Who was it?" "The cops." His voice was stern. "What the hell happened Sincere?" My eyes began burn

It’s the sound of her devastating cries that bounce off the stone walls, seeming to echo throughout the room. Mother Zyte, the wife of the leader of our small village, was given heartbreaking news early dawn. She had barricaded herself in her chambers, alone. Her sobbing would quiet only for a moment, and then gradually increase in sound and pain. It was heart wrenching. The house maids would go about their business, participating in every daily chore they were given. The guards held their posts, not showing a crack in their strong, never changing demeanor. And our Commander, Father Zyte, was off to search for an Inini Man… a healer. Leaving I, Ms. Clara Florence, a house nurse from The Grove, here to try and be some help to the family. I respected Mother’s Zyte’s wishes to be alone. I prepared many servings of brewed Valerian Root infused with passion flowers, something to help calm her nerves and put her into a restful slumber, but she refused. Afraid of missing something i

I stumbled into the shack that I was temporarily calling home. I had wrapped my arms around my body looking for that comfort that I once had years ago. My breathing is shaky and my body felt small tremors as I tried to gain control. My face is hot, but my tears are hotter as they come streaming down the skin. I can’t explain what just happened. When I climbed into that truck, I knew what I was going to do. I knew how things would play out. The time before a kill, I am calm. I know what demeanor I should carry before approaching them, or having them approach me. I can change my body into someone they can’t deny. I purposely fall for their traps and tricks. Anything to get them alone. And then I wait for them to show me who they are. Yes, I have seen the past through their eyes in my mind, but I always want to be sure of the visions I’ve seen. Once it is confirmed that they are indeed monsters, I unexpectedly turn on them. It’s all very calculated. The first bite is the sweetest. N