Story 60/1001

• regular
• adult
• element

“Did you really have to steal that?” Gemma looked at her brother. “What would you do with that thing, anyway?”

“I don’t know.” Harlow shrugged, holding a white and red Lucky Cat in his lap.

Gemma looked out of the police car and sighed. The police officer on the front passenger seat turned around every once in a while, as if she was making sure they were still there. Gemma tried not to look at her, and instead think of a way how to deal with this situation without parents.

Harlow seemed unaffected that they were in a police car, being driven to the station. He admitted to everything the moment they stood in front of them. He didn’t even try to run.

But from the moment he saw that cat at the back of the store, he acted like it was his.

“Harlow.” Gemma whispered. “Do you think the old woman at the store saw us? The one at the register.”

“Like, saw us taking Lucky?” Harlow asked.

“Us?” Gemma frowned. ” And you gave it a name? And its name is literally the name of every cat just like it?”

“He needed a name.”

“He?”

The police officer turned around and Gemma looked out of the window again. When she looked away, Gemma lightly bumped Harlow’s shoulder.

“I don’t know.” He answered. “You think mom and dad would let me keep him?”

“No.” Gemma answered. “I was sure she smiled as we got out of the store. Like she knew.” She mumbled.

“What if you pay for him? You just got your allowance.”

“Harlow, no. And I’ll be lucky if I get it at all next week.” She looked at Harlow. “But really, why did you do it? You’ve never stolen before.”

“I don’t know. I know I was out of my element, but it felt right.”

“What? Are you a thief now? Is this gonna happen on regular basis? Because if it is, I am not babysitting you again.”

“I don’t need a babysitter to begin with. I’m nine.” Harlow answered, playing with Lucky.

“Sure. Play with your dolls. Like a real adult.” Gemma scoffed.

When the officer turned around this time, a white light blinded Gemma and Harlow. Gemma hugged Harlow, and he held Lucky tight in his arms. The officer driving yelled, trying to turn the car, but before they knew it, the light came closer.

Gemma shut her eyes, and tightened her hug on Harlow.

But, nothing happened.

She slowly opened her eyes and gasped. Harlow smiled, while the officers eyes widened.

Between the truck and their car was a red tiger. He was surrounded by red smoke and its body was see through as if he was nothing but a ghost.

But, its flaming eyes were looking at them.

“Lucky!” Harlow tried opening the back door, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Open the doors!” Gemma yelled. “Now! We need to get out, now!”

The officers listened, and they got out of the car. As soon as they moved away from the car, the truck hit, folding the police car in half.

“How did you know we need to get out?” Harlow asked, holding Gemma’s hand. Gemma shook her head and Lucky disappeared while they watched the truck driver stopping the truck and panicking.

Harlow looked at the Lucky Cat in his arms. He started waving his paws again, as if he was happy.