Ever walked home in the dark, wind howling at his back. He hunched over, trying his best to protect the plant. In a way, he was glad for the frigid, abysmal weather. It meant that he could focus all his attention on getting home as quickly as his legs would allow. If it was any consolation, the traffic lights seemed to take pity on him, somehow always turning green just as he approached them.

  Once he got off the main road, the wind had died down. Or rather, the houses that lined either side of the street stood resolute, shielding him from the worst of the gales. His calves burned as he trotted down the street, crossing it and turning down another. Just ahead, the front gate to Mimi’s house creaked indignantly as the wind passed it back and forth between gusts. He went past it, bumping it shut with the back of his shoe before heading to the door. Now was the hard part, how would he open the door with the plant–

  ^Ever! Ever! There’s someone here!^

  Mimi’s barking was urgent. He quickly put the plant down on the front step, dropping his bag to the side. His hand dove into his pocket, gripping the key so that it wouldn’t slip out. With one hand on the door knob, he slid it in and threw the door open inwards.

  “Mimi!” Ever shouted into the dark house. “Where are you?”

  He heard scampering and felt soft foot falls. He crouched down just as Mimi jumped into his arms.

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  ^There’s a big person in the kitchen,^ she whimpered, trembling from head to toe.

  “Big person?” He murmured.

  Cradling the dog in one arm, he carefully brought the plant and his bag in, closing the door behind him. He then stood up, turning on the light in the hall. The bulb was dim, doing little to make them both feel safer.

  He stepped slowly, avoiding the floorboards that creaked. His eyes roved all over, looking for something, anything that might function as a weapon. He thought of his scythe and how it would be perfect… if the intruder was a wandering soul. Even then, he would have to hold it with the blade towards him, using the handle to strike them. There was nothing remotely useful within reach; he needed a change in plan.

  “Mimi,” Ever whispered right next to the dog’s ear, “run into the bedroom and hide under the bed. I’ll tell you when to come out.” He crouched down. The dachshund licked his face before running off.

  Ever went into reaper mode. If what Mimi said was correct and it was a big human, he was at least safer this way. He floated into the kitchen, scythe unsummoned for now.

  There indeed was a big person standing in the kitchen. Their back was turned to him, hunched over the stove.

  “Now how exactly does this work?” She murmured.

  Wait… that voice… where had he heard it before? His eyes drifted down her form, which seemed to be clothed in the night sky itself.