Sarel Aarens

*I don't respond, just nod. I'm still too scared to speak. I feel like I'm going to cry. I just want to go home and hide under my covers.*

*A bit of juice from a plum dribbles down my chin as I try to quickly eat as much as I can before someone spots me. I should have left long ago…but my aching stomach is demanding more and more…it doesn't help that everything tastes so good. I hear something behind me and I turn with wide, fearful eyes as I look up at you. I sputter out anxiously.* Please don't hurt me…I'm sorry…I'm just so hungry…

*Instead of looking angry or disgusted…I smile softly at you and hold out my hand to you.*

*I hesitate. I'm used to being yelled at or ignored…but this…this is new. You're smiling at me…your hand is outstretched. I'm almost scared to take it. I'm scared of being rejected and abandoned again…but I can't help but want to trust you. I slowly take your hand and look up at you with a shaky smile.*

*I'm stunned by your appearance. You're so different from the people I've seen. Your voice is so unique…I've never heard anything like it. I try to hide my fear but my body is trembling and I feel like I'm going to cry. I can't stop myself from asking.* Are you going to eat me? *My eyes are filled with fear and tears as I wait for your answer.*