Page 129 of Monster in Disguise

A dizzying sensation washes over me, likely from the blood loss. I stumble towards the back of the imposing house, its high fence blocking any chance of entry – not that I have the strength or desire to enter in my current state.

My vision blurs as I spot a small corner nestled in the nook of the fence. From this angle, I can see into the back garden of the house. It's enough for me as I collapse against the fence, struggling to catch my breath. Every movement sends sharp pains shooting through my body, but I try to find a comfortable position against the cold metal bars.

To any passerby, I must look like a homeless man with my torn and bloody clothes, huddled against the fence with my face hidden under a hoodie. But right now, that doesn't matter to me. All I care about is drifting off to sleep and maybe even dreaming of her...

I lose track of time, but suddenly something prods at my shoulder, startling me awake. My first instinct is to defend myself or run away. With great effort, I lift my head and squint my good eye, trying to make sense of my surroundings in the harsh light.

"Fuck!" I curse as everything remains blurry. I pray there isn't any permanent damage to my eyesight as I struggle to focus on my unexpected visitor.

"Are you all right?" A soft, gentle voice breaks through the silence, and I slowly turn around. My heart flutters as I see her standing on the other side of the fence, her hand reaching through the gaps in the pickets. Catalina. She's like a vision, too perfect to be real.

"I..." My words catch in my throat as I take in her appearance. The way sunlight dances across her features, making her seem almost ephemeral. It's hard to tell if she's just a figment of my imagination or if she truly stands before me.

"You're hurt!" Her gasp of concern brings me back to reality, and I lower my head in embarrassment.

Why did I even come here?

I try to stand up, wanting to leave before she can see me in this vulnerable state, but it takes all my strength to do so.

"Wait, please! Don't go," her voice pleads, holding me in place with its magnetic pull.

I turn towards her fully now, taking in every detail. The way the sun illuminates her yellow dress, making it seem almost ethereal against the lush greenery surrounding us.

"Do you need anything?" Her eyebrows furrow with worry as she looks at my battered face.

I shake my head slightly.

"Please, just... wait here. Wait for me." She pauses as if waiting for my confirmation before dashing towards the nearbyhouse. The sound of her footsteps fading away echoes in my ears as I wait for her return.

I stand rooted in place, my mind racing as I try to make sense of the figure before me. Is this a dream?

But then she's back, her presence palpable and undeniable.

"You didn't leave," she huffs, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. "Can you come closer?" Her hand beckons me towards the fence, and I move towards her like a loyal servant.

"Here," she says, slipping a small bag through the gap in the fence.

As our fingers brush against each other, a current of electricity jolts through my body.

"Oh!" she seems taken aback but doesn't recoil from my touch.

I peer into the bag and find a sandwich, some pieces of ripe fruit, and a small bottle of water. I look back at her in disbelief.

"Why?" My voice comes out hoarse, still raw with pain.

"You need to take care of yourself." She smiles, a gentle expression that reaches deep into my soul.

"Thank you..." My words catch in my throat as I struggle to comprehend this act of kindness – something so foreign to me, especially from a stranger.

I don't think anyone has ever given me anything before.

With trembling hands, I look in disbelief at the contents of the bag, feeling tears well up in my one good eye. A sob escapes me as I try to hold back overwhelming emotions.

"Thank you," I whisper again, my voice barely audible.

"You don't have to thank me. Anyone would do the same."

No one has ever done the same for me. Not until now...

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