Wake Up

When Lauren woke the fire had died down but the heat still shimmered enough to keep them warm. She cocked the hammer on the pistol and almost shot at the family of porcupines that were drawn to flames. They kept a distance but remained close enough to sense the heat. Friendly faces covered with quills and Lauren was sure Anise would be thrilled to see them.

"Wake up sunshine. You have visitors." Lauren stroked the girl's golden hair. Anise opened one of her eyes.

"Who is it?"
"Look and see."

She studied the sharp-spined rodents and then looked at Lauren.

"What do they want?" said Anise.
"Just to be warm."
"They won't hurt us?"
"I don't think so."

They sat huddled together and stared at the porcupines and imagined the safety the creatures must feel. Protected by an armor of barbed needles. Most predators wouldn't even dare to touch them. She looked at Anise's bare pale skin and knew the girl only invited touch. The teeth of an animal or the hand of an abuser, Lauren would be there to break them both.