He doesn't like to talk about it, you know." Liss ran into the cabin and came back a few minutes later. "Come on, let's go."
"And the jeans?"
"Nobody will eat them up."
We went out and tied Strike from the mast in front of the shop and slowly walked home. It didn't take long to get home. Liss hugged me again and then went her own way. I knocked on the door and in less than a second Ann was standing in front of me. She let me in without saying a word and went back into the kitchen. I untied Strike and went upstairs. I relaxed and laid my jacket on the bed and looked out the window. I didn't even notice that it was getting dark. I heard noises from the bathroom and went there too.
Kyle was brushing his teeth and ignoring me, although I could swear he heard me. I eyed him and my eyes stopped on his right upper arm, which I could see through the sleeveless T-shirt without any problems. It was a huge scar that went all over his upper arm. It looked like a huge scratch from a tiger.
"Where did you get the scar from?" I asked softly.
“Hmm?” He turned to me. I pointed to his upper arm. He spat out the foam, rinsed his mouth and said with a smile“It's better you don't know.” He gave me a sideways look and went to his room. I wondered what was wrong with him. Was he thirsty again? I don't want to think about it.
That evening I wasn't hungry and skipped the meal. Ann had offered to sleep on the sofa below for my sake after what happened, so it was the first time I had to spend the night alone. I changed and sat down on the bed when there was a knock on the open door.
"May I come in?" Kyle asked, slightly suppressed. I nodded and he sat down on the bed next to me. "And is it OK with you?"
"What do you think?"
“That you have to sleep in a house with a monster tonight.” I quickly remembered Liss's words.
“You're not a monster, you're still human and before that I wasn't afraid of you either.” I didn't know how he would react, but apparently those few words were enough for him because he smiled, just as he did for the first time The time I saw him. Just as carefree and happy.
“Well then, sleep well.” He wanted to put his hand on mine, but as a reflex I pulled it back.
"T-I'm sorry," I said squeaky.
“It's okay.” He got up. “I guess I'll have to get used to it.” He walked away.
I lay down, but even though it would be a good thing, I didn't try to sort through the events of the day, there were just too many at once. As carefree as it got, I closed my eyes and slipped into another, same dream. But I still didn't know how radically my current, new, life would change in the next few days.