Excerpt: Shadows are Catching

Thain studies the girl, Aimee, with a mild interest as she yells at him for trivial things that she thinks he may have done. He can’t read her features the way he can with other humans, her face is too carefully composed. A sense of curiosity tugs at his gut. What is she trying to hide?

She seems to radiate innocence, even her appearance, her wide and pure green eyes and her blonde hair aid her in causing a general feeling of responsibility to protect her from everything. Her expression however, almost contradicts her features. Her defiant air, sharp tongue and firm set to her lips convey a different message. An I-don’t-need-your-help message.

She appears to be both a very young child, never yet corrupted by the troubles of adulthood and an old woman, marred by experience and an odd sort of knowing, wisdom perhaps?

“You had no right! What made you think that you could do something like that?!” Aimee yells, her face showing a rare surge of emotion as it contorts with rage. “And how did you expect it to affect the mourners? Comfort us? Jeff is dead. Not in some fairy tale kingdom of ‘God’ … Do you really think you’re so high and mighty?”

“No.” Thain says plainly, cutting off whatever else Aimee was about to say. “No, you’re right. I’m sorry.” Aimee’s mouth opens and closes a few times in disbelief as Thain turns and walks away, leaving her speechless. He’s barely able to contain a smile as he turns the corner.
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