Hybrids

Chapter 6

Mila's POV

I've gone to the library a few times now. I think Nyx is more open to the idea of me having time on my own. In the library, I started reading one of the books that I really liked. The library is a place that holds comfort for me. It's quiet, just a few people, and the librarian is such a sweet and gentle lady. She has given me multiple recommendations and taught me how to start using a computer! I never had the chance to do that. That's part of the reason why I've been coming here so often. Though these past few days, I have stayed home. I want to ensure that there are no eyes on us. After a while, it felt right. I went back to the library. I sat at a small desk in the corner and read for a while. I feel so at peace that I focused solely on my reading, nothing could distract me, until I felt that I might've been here too long. I jumped up and looked at the clock on the wall.

I'm running late! I was supposed to meet Nyx at the grocery store a while ago!

I picked my things up and ran to the store. I went in and saw that she was sitting on the corner besides the register, waiting for me. She wasn't bothered. She looked tired and kept silent. We go out and make our way back home. Once we're indoors, she is a bit shaky. I know this look... We have a light on and I'm just continuing my book as she lays on the futon lying on the floor. We heard a crack outside. Nyx immediately gets up. She unlocks the door and goes outside. It was the trap that we made. She bent down and saw a little rabbit. Nyx took it out of the trap and took it inside. It was going to be our dinner. It may sound a bit crude, but its meat and we need food. Nyx drained it, stored the blood, and skinned the rabbit so that it could be made as part of a stew. I slept quite satisfied.

I woke up in the morning and did some things around the cottage. I watered the plants, and left other herbs to dry out. I had placed the stew around the water's edge so that it remained somewhat chilled before I heated it up again tonight. We want to preserve it as much as possible.

I left the cottage to return a book I had finished, The Four Agreements. I knew that, based on how Nyx looked yesterday, she would arrive at home later tonight. I went back home and picked the stew up to heat it.

Nyx POV:

Mila has been getting more comfortable outdoors. I'm happy about that. She will continue growing and trusting herself more. I'm doing my best to allow her space for this rather than keeping her locked up. After work, I couldn't repeat the same routine I do on a weekly basis. I checked the bag I always hide and realized that with the rise in the price I cannot afford it this time. Money is tight. All I can do is wait for my upcoming paycheck in just two days, but I'm getting desperate. The longest I can withstand while still feeling like myself is a week. Is this going to be the way I'll live the rest of my life? Simply getting by. No. Mila deserves better. I need to give her the home, the life she deserves. I've felt something unusual, a different chill in the air. I heard a crack and when I checked outside, it was the trap. I drained the rabbit and I stored his blood. It is not my preference, but it is better than nothing. I should be able to go soon and get an actual meal. The seller tends to change locations. He is usually around the same two. This night felt different. A cold chill ran down my spine. For a moment, I felt like prey. I barred the door behind me with some wood. It might not sound as much, but it gives me a bit more ease. Mila had eaten and was ready for bed. Unlike me, I felt wired, it felt like we were being watched. The question is by whom. I try to keep myself composed and not let fear consume me as sleep greets me.