84 - Not What It Is

Annie sat in her bed, staring out at the night sky. After she had healed Aster, she felt weak and drained. When the two boys left, the twins came home shortly. They rushed in and wouldn't leave her side. Afterwards, Poppy also arrived and peppered her with questions. When they were all calmed down, they all decided to sleep together.

The bed was originally large enough for all of them. When their father was here, they all shared the room. She looked down at the sleeping siblings. They had calm relaxed expressions. Annie moved their arms and legs off her. She made her way out of the room, closing the door quietly.

When she made it to the barn outside, Annie touched where her heart was. "Vivi?" she whispered. After absorbing the orbs earlier, she felt relieved. It should've helped Vivi.

"Yes, Annie?"

A small smile appeared. She was relieved. "Did my healing earlier helped?" She looked down and saw a small light bloom under her hand. It was golden and warm. "Can you come out?" Annie asked.

"Sorry... I'm still tired and their is still someone around," Vivi replied, her voice growing fainter.

Annie frowned at the response. "Someone?" She looked around the barn. There was no one around in the barn. When she came out, she didn't bring a candle or a lamp. Her eyes were well adjusted to the dark, with a sliver of a moon lighting the pathways. Annie listened for any noises.

"Vivi, are you sure?" she murmured under her breath. Did those two boys stayed around after they left? She moved to close the barn door. Turning, she looked around slowly. When they had their father, the barn would be filled with dried wheat and corn.

Since they didn't have time to farm, the barn was now empty. A couple of stools were stacked to the left with a round table. To the right was a pitchfork and shovel. Her eyes rested on a black cat that was lying down, it's tail flipping up and down. It's blue eyes stared at her, not blinking.

She walked slowly towards it. "Hello, kitty. What brings you here?" As she crept closer to touch it, the cat stood up and walked out of reach. It lowered and looked up at her. Annie had seen cats in town but none this beautiful. It's healthy coat gleamed from the little moonlight that shone through the cracks of the barn.

She huffed, placing her fists on her hips. "Well, you shouldn't be here. This place is off limits." Annie stared at it for a moment. "Unless you want to live with us?" She crouched down and extended a hand. It's ears pricked towards her while it's eyes went to her to her hand.

It stood up on all fours... and walked away. Annie was disappointed. She stood up, brushing the dirt off her white night gown. Since she wasn't able to get an answer from Vivi tonight, she'll try again tomorrow. Annie opened the barn doors and walked towards the house.

Annie pondered on how she can get more orbs. It was great what Kieran taught. She had thought what she did was healing but it wasn't. Maybe she could break more of Aster's bones and heal it. She stopped suddenly and looked up. The black cat sat in front of the door. It looked like it waited for her, it's blue eyes glowing expectantly.