by John Hummel

Created on: August 18, 2008   Last Updated: August 27, 2008

LINT

Ba-da-bump-ba-da-bump-ba-da-bump-ba-da-bump....

H is heart tattooed a rapid-fire drumbeat against the inner wall of his chest, threatening to tear through his breastbone and explode at any moment.

Gotta' hide, quick!

Glancing around with an expert eye, he surveyed the area for the ideal spot. Spying it, he squeezed his way into the pantry cupboard, flattened his body against the wall, and pulled the bi-fold door not-quite shut; exactly the way it had stood moments ago.

He silently cursed himself for not properly scouting his target before approaching, knowing that if he didn't pull up his socks he was bound to get caught. He'd been sloppy lately and only his extremely acute hearing had saved him. This time.

Slipper clad feet approached quietly, stopping right in front of the pantry; he could see the shadow cast under the door. Flattening his body even more, he pressed tighter into the corner, scrunching up as small as possible.

The door slid open on its track, allowing the shadow into the small space. The shadow was small, that of a child. He berated himself even more. They were far more observant than adults.

For what seemed an eternity the kid stood there, staring into the pantry.

Come on kid! Hurry up! I can't stand-

"Mom! I can't see the popcorn anywhere!" Tiny feet padded back the way they'd come.

"Just a sec sweetie. Let mommy finish then I'll find it."

Time to go. Too much traffic. I should've scoped this place better.

His heart still raced wildly and he knew he'd better calm down before attempting an escape. There was no time like the present to begin correcting his careless ways.

Reaching into his pouch, he caressed the treasure secreted there. That, as always, helped to calm his frayed nerves, allowing him to focus on the task at hand. Escape!

Calm and alert once again, he stretched his ears to their hearing limits, listening intently for noise, any noise, no matter how minute.

Assured that the coast was indeed clear, he stepped gingerly towards the now open pantry door. Squinting into the brightness of the fluorescent-bathed room, he did a quick scan. Seeing no one, he slipped out the back door into the darkness from whence he'd came.

Outside, the small solitary figure, not human, re-checked that he was still in possession of his dear treasure. As his long fingers closed gently around the object, a look of serenity and contentment painted his face. He never tired of it!

He stood for a few seconds in his reverie, only to be jolted back to reality by the sound of

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