The next morning was exhausting. The two rabbits had slept with me in the bed again and it was only because I saw the fluffy silver fur in front of my face that I bothered to get up all. I would have stayed in bed all day after what happened last time, my chest aching and feeling like someone had taken a knife to it, but the knowledge that I needed to feed these poor animals and go back to the store to return the pet food and buy food that the cats will actually eat made me get up out of bed today.

"Come on, honey buns... get up." I lightly nudged the two rabbits curled up beside me, waking them up. Their eyes opened groggily and the albino rabbit looked around in confusion before settling his gaze on me. The silver rabbit did the same, though he quickly checked over the the white rabbit to make sure he was alright. His gaze then fixed on me. "Yeah, I called you both "honey buns". Bite me." I yawned and my shoulders slumped, worn and tired. I was fully aware that I was a mess and that my eyes were probably still a little red or swollen from all the crying I had done, but I knew I needed to feed them otherwise they'd starve. I got up out of bed and looked at the two, raising an eyebrow. "Do you want me to carry you again or would you rather hop?"

The look Peter gave me almost made think he was going to hop, but then I was almost sent toppling over when he jumped at me-clinging onto my shoulder and kicking at my chest until he was actually able to sit on it. I made to help, but by the time I had gotten my balance back he was already on my shoulder.

"Alrighty then... that works." I blinked, shaking my head with raised eyebrows, before looking at Pretty Boy. His intelligent blue eyes met mine. I held my arms out, almost as if I was expecting a hug. "You wanna be carried, too?" I didn't move my gaze, something which seemed to unnerve him a little, but after a few moments his ear flicked and he nodded. "Okay. Up we go!" I picked him up and held him against my chest. I yawned again. "God, I'm so tired..." I lazily started to make my way out of the room, but I had to pause when I passed my desk because I saw something in my chair. "Sirius?"

The black cat's tail twitched when I spoke and I called out to him again. He lifted his head, eyes opening, and fixated his gaze on me before staring at the pair of rabbits I was carrying. He looked displeased. I wondered why. Did he want to be carried as well? But... Pretty Boy is too big. He'll fall off my shoulder.

"Sorry, Sirius. Unless you wanna sit on my head or something, I can't carry you, too."

His eyes then twinkled. I gained a bad feeling.

It's safe to say I was about ready to topple over from all the weight I was carrying by the time I got to the kitchen. Momo and Kyo looked more than a little alarmed to see me carrying not only the rabbits, but the muscular mass of a cat that was on top of my head and currently hurting my neck. His tail kept brushing against it and it took everything I had not to burst out into laughter or cringe. Funnily enough, the rabbits looked none to pleased at their new travel partner. Maybe the three animals just didn't get along? I didn't want to sound racist about it, but is it simply because they're rabbits and Sirius is a cat? He didn't look happy at me holding them either... I assumed it was because he wanted to be carried, too. I didn't seem to be wrong, but... I don't know.

I set Pretty Boy down on the ground carefully, but at the same time I did that Sirius jumped off my head and hit Pretty Boy in his. Without thinking about I reached over and whacked Sirius upside the head lightly, causing him to let out a startle meow, and I scolded, "Don't be mean to Pretty Boy! Or anyone else! Or no more being carried for you!" As if that was a good threat. But it seemed to work as his ears folded back and he looked a little guilty. I tried not to feel bad for scolding him, but... it was hard. I did my best to hold back the apology though.

I then turned to Pretty Boy, who now had Peter checking to make sure he was alright. I was still on my knees, so I carefully reached a hand out to the side of his face and looked at him, making sure there were no cuts in case Sirius had gotten him with his claws. Pretty Boy turned his attention away from Peter to me, and watched as I let out a sigh of relief.

"You're okay... Phew. Thought he got you with his claws for a second." I gave a weak laugh, but it hurt. The very thought of him being injured made my chest tighten, as I didn't even want to think about such a gentle animal being injured and how it would feel to be so. Wiping my mind of the thought I stood, clapping my hands together now that I had all five animals attention. "Okay, breakfast! Let's do this!" I got out some more cabbage for all the rabbits, even breaking off a bit of a carrot, and then opened another can of tuna for the cats. They all ate hungrily, and as they did so I made my way back to the bedroom so I could get changed into real clothes.

I don't feel like doing laundry today... I'm glad that I don't have to work, as that meant that I could avoid Jason for a little longer, but I needed to go to the store. I should get a good twenty dollars back after returning all the cat food, so I should be able to get a good amount of food for the cats until Wednesday. Of course, there are my water and electricity bills to worry about... but they're usually not that expensive so I should be fine.

Keyword there being "should", which I'm using a lot. Ugh... I just want to sleep. I seriously don't want to do anything.

Entering my room I rummaged through my closet, not bothering to put a shirt on and instead just throwing on a hoodie in its place, and pulled on a pair of baggy jeans. The paint-stained clothes on the ground glared at me, telling me that I needed to clean them, but I really just didn't care. I didn't care much about anything at the moment; I just wanted life to be done and over with. I'm just so tired... I sighed and leaned against the wall for a moment, before remembering, Oh yeah... I need to take pictures... I know I have an old Polaroid camera around here somewhere...

I spent the next ten minutes rummaging around my closet in an attempt to find it. It turned out I had it buried in a box full of old notebooks and drawings. Oops.

A thump snapped me out of my thoughts and caused me to turn my head. To my surprise it was the spotted rabbit, and he was staring at the camera quite curiously. An impish grin crossed my face and he took a step back, only to blink at a sudden flash as I snapped a photo. After a few moments the image printed out of the camera, there still being film in it, and I took it out and waved it a few times as I waited for the picture to pop up. Once it did and I deemed it good, I showed it to Momo who stared at it with wide eyes. "Cool, huh?" I asked him.

Momo just stared at me.

"Wanna take another one?" He just blinked at me, and taking it as permission I snapped another photo. His ears were stuck up high again and it was the cutest thing, and once again I showed him the photo after the picture cleared up. "Come on-I need to take one of the other animals. Wanna sit on my shoulder as I do it? You'll get a better view of it that way."

He hesitated before hopping forward, quickly jumping up onto my shoulder. I grinned and was about to pet him when I remembered that he didn't like me doing that. So instead I stood and made my way to the livingroom where the cats were running around the room and the rabbits remained on the couch, lounging. Without wasting time I walked over and knelt down in front of the rabbits, who stared at me, and I said, "Say, "Spaghetti"!"

Click.

Pretty Boy blinked a few times after I took the picture (I remembering to turn the flash off after the first picture with Momo) and I took out the photo and shook it, showing him. He, too, looked surprised and even Peter started to pay attention when he saw that his friend, brother, whatever he was to him- and himself was on a picture. I took another one, wanting to keep one of each for myself, and then I went over to the cats who stopped playing with each other when I neared them. I took two pictures of them, showing each, and marveled at their awed and shocked faces.

Then, after they were done with their shock, the animals looked at Momo who was sitting on my shoulder. I noticed he had jumped onto my right, whereas Peter had always climbed on my left. I guess even they had their preferences. After I was done and started to head back to the bedroom to put the pictures and camera away for later Momo jumped off and ran away to who-knows-where. I put shoes on and grabbed my keys out of my jacket that was hanging on the front door in the living room. I opened the door and had turned my head as I made to close it, walking out of the house, when I saw all the animals staring at me in confusion.

"I'll be back!" I told them, slightly disbelieving at the way that had just looked when I opened the door to leave. "I need-Oh, crap; I need to get the cat food!" I closed the door, dashing to the kitchen to grab the cat food that I was going to be returning. "I kinda need that if I want to buy you guys real food!" I lugged the bags to the front door and opened it again, "See you later!" I then closed the door, throwing the bags in the basket of my bike.

"She sure is forgetful, isn't she?" The orange cat commented as he watched their "owner" dash out the door after almost forgetting the bag of cat food she was going to be returning. "Haha-Silly girl!"

"You aren't one to talk, Kyo," Black cat commented as he turned to look at the orange cat. "You forgot what her name is!"

"So did you!"

"It's not my fault I never learned it!"

Peter, wanting nothing more than the two loud cats to stop bickering and shut up, muttered, "Rhea..."

"What!?" Sirius turned his head, confused. "What'd you say?"

"Her name..." He said quietly, Pretty Boy turning to look at him from his spot beside him, "It's Rhea..."

"Rhea?" The white rabbit nodded at the black cat's question. "She doesn't look like a "Rhea" to me."

Kyo snickered and looked at Sirius, saying, "And you would know that how...?"

"Shut up!"

"...Eddie... the cats won't stop arguing..."

"Just ignore them, Young Master." The silver rabbit replied, closing his eyes as he turned his head away from the cats who were fighting. "It's best that you don't listen to them." The albino rabbit merely nodded slowly in response and laid back down, closing his eyes as he folded his ears over his head. The silver rabbit remained standing, instead staring out the window as he watched the young woman drive down the lane to the road. He wondered how long she'd be gone this time and if she'd eat anything at all today. All she had was a simple slice of bread yesterday and nothing else. He wondered if she was always this careless towards her health. He also wondered why she keeps defending him.

When that man called him weird... asking if he was a mutant... she defended him. She called him "beautiful"...

Perhaps if she were to see him in his true form she would not think so, but as a warmth blossomed in his chest a familiar ache tugged at his heart, reminding him of events that had long since passed. Events that he caused... and maybe he was even the reason she and that man had fought? The man had insulted him and she went to his defense, thus causing them to get into an argument. It was because of him the two fought... and it was because of him that she had so suddenly started to cry and apologize.

But while the situation made it seemed like she was simply apologizing to the man inside that screen, he had a feeling it was for something much deeper. He was curious, and maybe just a little bit concerned, but it was none of his business. The only thing that mattered was the Young Master...

"...Eddie?" As if he had sensed his thoughts the white rabbit called out to him, snapping him out of his thoughts and catching his attention.

"Yes, Young Master?" His face remained blank.

"Lay next to me. ...It's cold."

"Of course, Young Master." The silver rabbit followed without protest, making his way over and leaning against the small bunny who pressed himself against his side. "How are you feeling? Are you adapting well to the new environment?"

"...It's fine... I want to eat apples though." He seemed a little bothered by the fact that he couldn't have his favorite fruit, but didn't appear angry. The woman didn't even seem to know what kind of food animals were allowed to eat, so he understood her concern. She also mentioned that she'd ask about it to some people... he couldn't remember their names. But he knew that by her saying that she might give them apples soon. "Do you think she's okay?"

"What do you mean?" Sirius, who had been arguing with Kyo, managed to hear his question that was actually directed at the silver rabbit. The baby rabbit opened his eyes, gazing distastefully at the black cat, before sighing softly and closing his eyes again.

His voice was just barely audible to the rest of the animals in the room, whereas the silver rabbit could hear him perfectly. "That girl... she has a deep sorrow hidden in her."

"You noticed that, too?" Sirius said in surprise. "I thought there was somethin' up. What with her moping about and everything..."

"Who cares!?" Momo growled, hopping away from the corner he was hiding in. "She's an idiot! She doesn't even know what to feed rabbits; why does it matter?"

Kyo gave Momo a look, saying, "Because she's the target, bunny! With you claiming to be so smart all the time, one would think you would have realized that!"

"Why you little-"

"Why are we even arguing about it?" Sirius appeared confused. "What I wanna know is why he chose her as a target; she seems pretty normal."

"If you consider passing out on the floor normal," The spotted rabbit scoffed. "She's clearly a recluse-have you bothered looking out the windows? We're in the middle of nowhere!"

Pretty Boy seemed to have gotten fed up with Momo's complaining and said calmly as he fixed him with dull eyes, "That's completely arbitrary. If she was a recluse she would not be gone for so long each day."

"It hasn't even been a week! It's only been three days!"

"But, bunny, haven't you been listening? The girl has a job! She probably just works during the week days rather than the weekends." Kyo couldn't help but add in his three cents. "And she is gone for a long time-she probably stops somewhere on the way to the market."

"Or," Momo began irritably, "She lives so far away that it takes forever for her to get there and back!" The albino rabbit folded his ears over, annoyed at all the noise.

"Eddie..." He murmured, "They're being too loud." The silver rabbit simply sighed in response, as there was really nothing he could do about the other animals' actions. As the other animals kept arguing the white rabbit pushed himself up and hopped off the couch, the big rabbit following loyally as he headed toward the bedroom where they always slept.

I wasn't entirely sure how long I was gone, but I do know that by the time I got done shopping it was freezing out and I seriously regretted not wearing a shirt underneath my hoodie. The weather just reminded me more of how it was winter and that it was going to be hard biking everywhere. I would have to wake up early and start walking if I wanted to make it to work. Of course, that meant I would have to stop helping at the mural paintings just so I would be able to make it to everything else. It upset me, but I knew it was for the best. At least it was volunteer work and not an actual job...

As I had an extra five dollars left after getting what I needed for the cats I stopped at McDonald's to buy me a sandwich, and I wasted no time in devouring it hungrily. I then biked it as fast as I could home. On my way I saw some shady looking people in the alley I usually cut through, so I took the longer way home. I think I was gone for a total of three, maybe four hours. I lived pretty far away, regardless of the route I took.

When I arrived I parked my bike at its usual spot by the porch and took the grocery bags out, hanging them on my left arm, and entered the house. I quickly locked the door, shoving the keys back into the jacket that was hanging off the doorknob, and kicked off my shoes. I was about to step forward, but before I could my feet were suddenly tackled by a pair of cats. "Wh-Whoa!" I yelped as I nearly tripped and fell over. "I-I missed you, too, guys!" I hopped on one foot, desperately trying to get out of the way so I didn't accidentally crush them, and once there was room I set my other foot back down and heaved a sigh of relief. "Jeez... At least let me get to the kitchen so I can put everything away first." Needy felines. They were cute though, so I forgive them.

The cats followed a good distance behind me after that and I walked into the kitchen, goosebumps spreading along my skin at the warmth that hit me. I shivered at the temperature change, but was more than relieved that it wasn't freezing anymore. I put the bags down on the kitchen counter and quickly started to put everything away-only to keep out a single apple and some broccoli.

I handed the cats a few more pieces of ham, which they greedily devoured, and after washing the apple in the sink I got to peeling it-something I almost cut myself doing as I've never done it before. I had asked a few random people in the store if rabbits could eat apples and few other fruit and vegetable-type foods, and one of them had suggested broccoli. Apples are treats... and if they don't like that, then I'll see if they want the broccoli. The rabbits were plenty well-behaved and were pretty sweet the few days I've known them, so... I wanted to do something nice. Which is weird, I think, since they are animals, but... oh well! They deserve it.

I flinched when I almost sliced my palm with the peeler, but after a good two minutes I managed to finish it. It... looked a little weird, but I got all the skin off so it should be alright! Now I just have to cut it...

I pulled out a small paper plate out of a cabinet and placed the apple on it, cutting it and flinching every time I heard a clack or a scraping sound. Seeing as they were rabbits I cut the slices into bite-sized bits, which was actually pretty adorable in my opinion, and I put the broccoli next to it on the plate after I threw the apple peel and core away. The cats, being satisfied with their meal, went to romp around and I made my way out of the kitchen.

I looked around the livingroom expecting to find the two rabbits on the couch, but to my surprise they weren't they were. I frowned, knitting my eyebrows together as I started to feel a small sense of panic. Where are they? The only places they'd have access to is the bathroom, kitchen, livingroom, and-oh. Of course. Duh. I spun on my heels, careful not to drop anything, and made my way to the bedroom.

And there they were, sleeping so peacefully on my bed against the pillows.

Holy crap, they're adorable.

I carefully made my way over, doing my best to stay quiet, but a few steps in the silver rabbit's ears twitched. His eyes opened groggily, blinking a few times as his vision cleared, and then they focused on me. His eyes soon zoomed in onto the plate in my hands. I watched as Pretty Boy turned his head to nudge the rabbit beside him gently with his muzzle, waking him. Slowly, Peter lifted his head and opened his eyes. His white ears perked up and I carefully sat down on the bed, scooting so I was near them, and crossed my legs and set the plate in my lap.

I picked up an apple bite and held it out to them, smiling, and asked, "You guys want some? I, uh, asked around the store to see if it was okay and... they said it'd make good treats. I... I didn't know what all you guys like, so... I kinda bought a few other veggies. I also bought a lot of broccoli, so... if you didn't like the apples I figured you might like that instead. I dunno." I shrugged, feeling incredibly awkward, but I had a feeling they knew exactly what I was saying. "I... I never had pets before, so... I'm kinda new at this. Thought you guys deserved somethin' nice though, after being so well-behaved and all."

They both just stared at me, but after a few moments the white rabbit moved over and bit the apple slice out of my hand. I went to hand one to the silver rabbit, but I noticed his gaze was fixated on something else. I blinked in surprise, having expected them both to prefer the apple, but then a small smile formed on my face. I picked up a piece of broccoli and handed it to the silver rabbit, who sniffed it before biting it out of my fingers. There were probably going to be crumbs on my bed, but that's okay. I didn't really care. The sheets can just be washed later when I'm in the mood.

Eventually I just set the plate down on the bed itself, letting the rabbits feast to their hearts content. I watched in amusement. They were so cute.

"Thanks for keeping the house in check, you guys." I told them and quickly added, "And for... well, staying with me last night, I guess." I felt a little ridiculous saying this, and incredibly stupid and awkward, but... I appreciated it. I really, truly did. I knew that all the yelling last night freaked them out and my little "attack" probably didn't help either, but they still chose to remain by me when they could have slept somewhere else. Instead they remained in the bed by my side, keeping me company throughout the night. Honestly, they probably didn't even care and just wanted to sleep on something that they considered comfy and the bed was the best choice, but...

I inhaled deeply, only to let out the breath I just received. It was hard keeping all the emotions back, but...

"I know... I know it probably freaked you out... that I probably freaked you out... what with all the yelling and crying and stuff, but..." The rabbits were silent, both of them staring at me again. I shifted uncomfortably, slightly unnerved by the intelligence the rabbit's eyes gave off and their stares, but I continued as I needed to get this off my chest. I said, forcing myself to meet their stares as I fiddled with my fingers, "I just really needed the company. A-And... and you guys probably don't actually care and all, but... I'm still grateful. Because you gave me that small thing. So..." I blinked a few times, feeling my eyes water, and swallowed. I could feel the emotions start to take control, memories of the fight filling my mind. "Yeah. Thank you. A-And you can consider the-the broccoli and apples as a "thank you" gift, I guess, since I was really only planning on buying the cats' food. So... yeah. That's-That's it, really. I don't know what else to say." My voice cracked a little, but I somehow managed to keep my emotions under control.

As they stared at me, I looked down at the plate which still had half the food still on it. I blinked dumbly. Why did they stop?

"You guys... could have kept eating, you know. Unless you're full. You do have the option to ignore me and whatever nonsense comes out of my mouth; it is a free country after all." At their blank and confused stares I sighed and moved until I was laying on my back with my legs dangling off the edge of my bed. "I give up..." I yawned and closed my eyes. I could hear nibbling and knew at least one of them was eating. "I just want to sleep..."

But I need to do laundry. And figure out how to apologize. And put the plate back in the kitchen once the animals are done. It really wasn't that much, but to me it felt like someone had just asked me to travel to the other side of the planet. I just really didn't want to do anything; I didn't have the strength to do anything. It was as if was all sapped away. If it wasn't for the animals I probably would have never gotten out of bed today.

"And I work all week..." More fun. But hey, since I got the animals their food maybe I can get me a little something for once. It will probably just be some more fast food, but it's better than nothing. "Though paycheck's Wednesday, so that's good... even if it's not that much. I think I can pay the water bill, at least. It usually isn't that expensive." I looked at the rabbit's who were not far from me. "What do you guys think?" The silver rabbit stopped his nudging of a broccoli towards the white rabbit to stare at me. "Think I'll get enough for the water bill? I think I will. And I should be able to pay the electricity. Unless the house payment went up..." I turned my head away and sighed, staring solemnly up at the ceiling. "House payments around five hundred. Water's usually only around sixty and the electricity is almost always in the eighties. So I should have a good few tens left to spend on animal stuff." I went silent, thinking deeply, and upon consideration said, "I also need to get that weird shampoo stuff for animals so I can give you all baths. Can't have you all stinkin' up the house, can I? I don't know about you guys, but there's a big difference between licking yourself and having an actual bath." I yawned, closing my eyes. "I'll stop at the store tomorrow after work... and get some..."

I could feel myself drifting into sleep. Wake up, Rhea... you have work to do. You can't rest. With a groan I forced my tired body into a sitting position and got off the bed, stumbling as I made my way around the bedroom. I had so much stuff to do: I needed to do laundry, and I need to clean all four rooms upstairs, sweep the deck, throw away all the trash that's sure to be up there, and feed the animals. After that's all done I'll need to take a shower, quick it may end up being, and then set my alarm for tomorrow. And somehow, in the middle of doing all of those things, I need to figure out an apology. What a pain, I thought as I picked up a sock that fell from the pile of laundry I was holding.

I could feel the rabbits' eyes on me, but I ignored them and instead made my way to the bathroom. I put in all the darks first, as most of my clothes were black or just of the dark-variety, and separated the whites and the lights. I started the washer not long after and as I turned around to head to the sink to put my hair up I found Sirius sitting by my foot, staring up at the washer in curiosity. Cute. I was tempted to kneel down and pet him, but the knowledge that the upstairs wasn't going to clean itself got to me. There was no way I was going to keep the animals trapped down here after all; I don't care how big the kitchen or livingroom is. They needed room to roam and explore, which is why I'm going to be doing this.

I stepped around him, the cat seeming to not even notice me, and I did a quick once-over with the brush and put my hair up in a sloppy bun. My bangs fell into my face as always, but I didn't really care. I rolled my sleeves up and opened the bathroom closet, pulling out the broom and pan and closed the door. I was definitely going to have to come back down to get the vacuum, and later the mop, but for now I just need to get the broom and a couple trashbags.

I had to head to the kitchen to get that later, and when I opened the door in the kitchen that revealed the staircase for upstairs I ended up sneezing as I was greeted with nothing but dust. And spiderwebs. And- "GYAAAAAH!" I let out a bloodcurdling scream and stumbled backwards, throwing the broom and trashbags forward as I waved my arm frantically. Unfortunately I ended up slipping on a-what? An orange peel? But I don't even have oranges! But point being was that I slipped and crashed painfully on my back on the ground, hitting my head.

The animals, having heard my scream, ran in only to see me laying on the ground dazed with an orange peel crushed on the floor and a spider running along the ground. Sirius, somehow, put two-and-two together and lunged, crushing the spider with his paws. As I tried to regain my bearings, seriously shaken by what had happened, I could feel a muzzle pressing against my side and urging me to sit up. It was the silver rabbit. I simply groaned in response and sat up, rubbing my head. I then jerked, shooting up in a sitting position as I frantically clawed at my arms in fright. "Wh-Where'd it go!? Oh god, is it in my clothes!? Tell me it's not in my clothes!" I was just about to yank my hoodie off when I felt a tug on my pants leg. I stiffened and looked down, only to see Pretty Boy staring up at me. I couldn't tell what he was feeling at the moment, but I followed his gaze to see the fat spider dead on the ground. Sirius was sitting beside it proudly, chin held high.

My legs almost gave out in relief.

"Oh thank god..." I walked over and knelt down, scratching the cat gently behind the ear, "My hero, Sirius."

"Mrrow!" Weirdly enough, the cat seemed to smile as if he had just won a trophy. "And, aw, did you all come to my rescue?" I looked at the other four animals in the room. "You guys are sweet." I then sighed and stood up, giving the dead spider a disgusted and slightly scared glare. I narrowed my eyes at it. "I know you have friends. I know you're all gonna come after me. But I have a vacuum and a broomstick and I am not afraid to use them, okay? Okay! So-So stay dead! And to make sure you stay dead I'm gonna flush you down the toilet now!" I walked over to the counter dramatically to grab a piece of paper towel and knelt down, making a face as I picked up the dead spider. "Ew, ew, ew, ew; gross!" I held it as far away from as I could, trying to resist the urge to let it go. I quickly made my way to the bathroom and flushed it down the toilet, even washing my hands after I was done. I had goosebumps all over. I was shaking my hands as I made my way back to the kitchen, muttering to myself about how much I hate bugs. "Gross, gross, gross; I don't like it!" I picked my broom up of the floor, only to drop it and jump back at the sight of another spider.

Today was going to be a long day.

After smacking all the attacking spiders with the dust pan I looked at the animals with teary eyes, telling them in a shaky voice, "I-I hope you all love me, because I'm freaking cleaning upstairs for you!" I knew I was being dramatic, but I really didn't care. I hated bugs and the very thought of them crawling up and down my skin or on my clothes made me want to break down into tears. It was stupid, but I had seen one too many horror movies involving bugs when I was little to not be traumatized by them. I picked up the broom, sniffling, and grabbed the abandoned trashbags. Scooping up the dead spiders with the dustpan I poured them into one of the bags, doing my best not to throw up or cry, and went into the war zone.

I was certain the animals thought me crazy, but I didn't really care at this moment in time because I was too busy crushing bugs with a dust pan. After that I sweeped with the broom and ran the vacuum. I did that in all the rooms before going out into the balcony to sweep up all the dead leaves into trashbags. There weren't any carpet floors upstairs, but I still vacuumed just to be certain that I got rid of all the extra crud on the ground.

I ran down stairs, making multiple trips to get the other bags, and dragged the trashbags outside and down to the end of the lane so I could put them in the dumpster. I could feel the animals' all still looking at me. I made my way back to the house slowly, dragging my feet on the gravel road, and slumped over. I felt slightly dizzy. As I made my way up onto the porch I cast a curious glance at the abandoned garden that ran along the side of it and made a face.

I didn't want to have to deal with bugs, but I also didn't want to have to buy vegetables all the time. But I won't even be able to start a garden until after Winter. Ugh...

Entering the house with a lamenting expression I went to the bathroom and opened the closet, pulling out the mop and a bucket. I quickly filled the bucket up with water and poured in some cleaner. I then lugged it upstairs and got to work. Of course, after that was done, I had to go back over them with clean, hot water. It was about ten o'clock now. I need to feed the animals soon, I told myself quietly. I used bleach water on the bathroom floor and quickly got to cleaning up the sink and bathtub, and quickly dusted off all the future that Grandma left behind. It was one in the morning now.

I headed back downstairs, dumping the water in the sink and letting the mop soak in clean bleach, and left the vacuum and everything else upstairs as I was too tired to even think about bringing them down.

Walking over to the kitchen sink I washed my hands up all the way to my elbows, and after drying them off I quickly got the animals their food. They ate greedily and sparing them only a single glance I smiled and made my way to the bedroom to grab clothes and then promptly jumped into the shower.

Then, ignoring all common sense that told me I needed to eat, I dragged my tired feet to bed and collapsed, passing out almost instantly. I nearly forgot to set my alarm.