The Palette Part 30: Guilt

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Jesse brushed its fingers over the carpet for the 100th time in the last hour as a shiver coursed through its body. It wanted to help. It really did. It felt like a coward just sitting here while Mark was so sad only a few feet away.

Jesse had heard the tv on in the living room and had quietly snuck out of its big, warm bed and down the hallway with every intention of going to Mark's side and keeping him company.

Something had stopped it though, a mere foot from the corner of the hall. The air suddenly felt heavy and dark, stuffy even. It had stopped in its tracks and silently slipped down to the floor just out of sight.

The Palette Pt. 21: Jesse

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Mark realized he was letting the water run for the third time now. He slammed down the handle and dragged a hand down his face. He was just trying to finish up the few dishes in the sink but kept getting distracted. He couldn't stop watching Jesse.

The kid was curled up on the couch, in a pile of blankets, a few of the dogs tucked in where they could. Lyra was practically sitting on his head.

Jesse had been so worried about her. He could barely hold his own head up but he'd asked if Lyra was okay the moment they were in the truck and heading out of the city. After everything, Jesse was worried about the freakin cat. She has barely left his side since.