Evergreen13: What? Why didn’t you say anything? Are you okay?

Phoenix26: I’m fine. No one knows where I am. I’m safe. But for things to stay that way, I need to keep a low profile. No letting famous artists paint my face.

Evergreen13: I promise I’ll lay off. I have to head to work, but check in tonight? Let me know you’re okay?

Phoenix26: Will do. Cuddle some animals for me.

E sent a photo of a pile of puppies as a signoff. I stared at the image on the screen until my eyes went blurry. Maybe I needed a pet. A furry buddy to make me feel a little less alone. A companion who would make the distance I placed between myself and every other person I came across, not feel so stark and alienating. It was something to think about.

I checked my watch. Time to tend to the feathered creatures already under my care. The chickens could get mean if they didn’t get their breakfast on time. Mean chickens weren’t something anyone wanted, especially those who had to enter the coop to gather the eggs.

I slipped into my muck boots by the door and pulled on a jacket. I stuffed a hat into one pocket and gloves into the other. I didn’t think the weather warranted them yet, but that could always change. I made my way down the path towards the coop and the gardens. The birds let out a series of calls, and I heard Hunter and his crew in the distance, getting started for their day.

Pausing to pick up a bucket of scraps from the greenhouse, I headed towards the sound of irritated clucking. “I’m coming, ladies. Hold onto your feathers.” I let them out of their nightly home and into the enclosed area where they could roam. There were too many hawks around to let them have truly free rein. But their yard was large, and they didn’t seem to have a lot of interest in the world outside their wire.

I scooped out some feed, spreading it around the yard, and then scattered the scraps along with it for good measure. When they were happily chowing down, I went for the eggs. The smell of the coop was not pleasant, but it certainly helped me practice how long I could hold my breath.

I made quick work of gathering the eggs and cleaning up after the girls. With the eggs piled in a basket, I headed out. “Enjoy your freedom, ladies. I’ll be back later.” They squawked happily in response.

I closed and latched the coop. Just as I was about to turn around, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I let out a strangled squeak. “Sorry. I didn’t hear you.”

One of the men from Hunter’s crew gave me a slow grin. “No worries. You were caught up with talking to the chickens.”