9.2 Disquiet

When the next day arrives you're still fixed on dread and regret. Though the Doctor is long gone, his presence still seems to remain in your apartment. Despite the previous night's mishap, you still feel as though avoiding your issues is the best recourse. This leads to you spending the majority of the next few days out and about despite your condition. Though the number of places you're able to visit have been few and far in between. Given your last encounter, it seems as if there's no truly safe refuge. Regardless of where you go, it feels as if all eyes are upon you. You try to dismiss this, after all your disheveled appearance is more than enough to make people look twice. Still, it feels as if they're somehow viewing some cardinal sin that's been embossed on your brow. Eventually, you're **** to face some type of reality when arriving home one night. As you're absentmindedly fumbling with your key at the lock, something catches in your peripherals. Turning quickly, you're rather relieved to see your neighbor, Mr. Pruitt exiting his front door.

"Lillian." He greets you in somewhat apprehension, his expression clearly showing his surprise and disdain for your late arrival.

"Mr. Pruitt." You nod politely, not wishing to upset your neighborly relationship." What are you doing up so late?"

"Duke needed to go out." He replies, stepping further out of his doorway. "And you?"

"I was visiting with some girl friends." You quickly lie, your key finally slipping into the keyhole. "Of course everyone had to hear my story of near **** several times."

Mr. Pruitt gives you a slight nod of understanding. However, you don't miss his eyes briefly glancing down doubtfully towards your casts. Dismissing this, you move to step inside before the man's voice quickly pulls you away again.

"Oh, by the way." He quickly interjects before you've crossed the threshold. " Your beaux was here, again, today."

"My beaux?" You repeat in slight confusion as your next footstep falters.

"Yes, your fiancé." The man clarifies, his expression exposing his confusion.

"Of course." You quickly smile, realizing your faux pas. "Did you speak with him?"

"He left before I got a chance." Your neighbor replies, turning his attention to the other side of his door while tugging on a leash.

"Something wrong Duke?" You can't help inquiring upon noticing the man's struggles.

"He won't come out." Mr. Pruitt explains, still tugging on the leash. "After beggin' to come out not a moment ago."

"Maybe I can lend a hand." You offer, remembering the few times you've dog sat for the man.

"Course, Duke loves ya." The man agrees, taking a step aside as you approach.

To your surprise and horror the dog doesn't greet you at all as you expected. Instead, the bristles on the back of his neck rise as he slowly backs away. The porch light glints off his eyes as he lets out a deep, guttural growl, causing you to quickly step back. Mr. Pruitt throws you a confused and apprehensive look before quickly rushing back inside, leaving you alone in the night.