~ Peril ~

Peril rubbed her hands across her jean-clad thighs. Auburn hair fell into her eyes as she stared blankly down at the grummy tile floor, shrouding her from the outside world. Shocked wasn't the right word. She'd had an inkling of an idea it would happen for some time now. Maybe she should be surprised it hadn't happened sooner. All the threats, the looks...

Ruby was talking loudly into the phone in the corner of the room across from Peril, wearing her old torn letter jacket from high school. Her hair was pulled into a messy knot barely holding together. She had just started college this year, and she should be studying or reading - just anything other than this, trying to piece things together in the waiting room of the police station. 

Peril looked up at her older sibling, who gave her a smile before continuing her conversation on the phone.

"Peril!" She whipped her head to the side. Kinkajou was standing by the door in her pale pink winter coat, her baggy pajama pants nearly covering her tennis shoes. Moon followed closely behind, holding her jacket close.

"What are you guys doing here?" Peril asked, startled. She stood up from her chair, pushing her hair out of her face.

"We came to rescue you!" Kinkajou said, bounding towards her and giving her a bear hug. 

Moon came up close behind, joining in on the hug. "How are you doing?" she asked, pulling back to look Peril in the eye. She shrugged, staring at the floor.

"I'm fine. How did you guys find me?"

Moon quirked a brow, and Kinkajou shrugged. "Well, we thought 'crime,' and were like 'oh, where do they stop crimes? The police station!' Well, I guess they technically don't stop crimes here, but-"

"Thank you, Kinkajou," Moon said, butting in. She turned to Peril. "Is your sister here too? How's she doing?" she asked.

"Over there." She pointed to Ruby in the corner, who gave them a small wave. "She says she's fine, but it can be hard to tell with her sometimes. You know, trying to be the put-together big sister and all." 

"Yeah, I get it. Not telling people how you're really feeling gets annoying sometimes, doesn't it?" Moon said, crossing her arms over her chest. Her voice had an edge to it, and she wouldn't meet Peril's eyes.

Are you kidding me? I'm fine! I'm the victim here, not you, Peril thought, narrowing her eyes at her friend. Kinkajou was oblivious to the tension, gesturing them to take a seat and asked Peril how much longer she and Ruby would have to wait here.

"No idea. I could be here all night, so I'll just have to wait and see what they say," Peril said, her voice faltering at the end. 

Kinkajou reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. "We'll wait with you, right Moon?"

Moon hesitated, glancing at Peril's hand before taking it. "Definitely."

Author's Note

Guess whose back! I know this chapter is short and I apologize if the writing is subpar; I haven't written in forever. 

How is the coronavirus treating all of you? I have been impossibly bored the past week, and I don't have school for the next four, with no online school at all. Still having AP exams though! Yay...

I will be trying to create an update schedule over the next week or so since I'd like to finish this before I go back to school! 

It's good to be back Fanwings! Vote, comment, and follow if you like what you see!