Heartstrings on Fire

Good thing Agnes was quick on her feet, so that bucket of water only dampened the hem of her dress.

The woman was fierce and intimidating. “Get out! Now! You’re not welcome here.”

Agnes said calmly, “Mrs. Fabian, I just want to talk to you. I mean no harm.”

Mrs. Fabian looked impatient. “I have nothing to discuss with journalists. Leave now or I’ll kick you out.” With that, Mrs. Fabian slammed the door shut.

Agnes found herself left out in the cold.

She sighed. This was a tough nut to crack, no chance for a conversation at all.

But Agnes was not one to give up so easily. She stood at the doorstep, plotting her next move.

Soon after, she heard the barking of dogs in the alleyway, and clearly someone else was approaching.

enough, Jared, dressed in a sleek black overcoat, came in slowly

like swallowing a calming pill for

damp dress, he asked,

couldn’t get in and start a conversation.

replied, “Let me try.”

Agnes was hopeful. After all, Jared was famously known

again, and in no time, the door swung

at her doorstep, she snarled, “What

stray animals? If you’re gone, who will take

words seemed to hit a nerve. The woman’s expression changed visibly, her faux ferocity

your eviction. I’m working on a special feature for the Stray Animal Protection Association about the stray animals in Harmony Hollow. Since you’re the only resident here, we can only get information from you.”

softened as she asked, “So you’re

smiled and answered, “I’m a journalist, not a government official. Evictions are not within my jurisdiction, Mrs. Fabian. We’re not here to convince you