Nobody was outside. Even the Muffin Cats, who were always hanging around for their next meal, were absent today. As if they knew what’s going on.
There was only Clementine, standing in front of her closed door on the outside. She seemed almost statue-like, still and unmoving for what felt like hours. The ring of salt was already placed around her house, the charms were set up, and she was wearing the heavy, iron pendent again. She was ready.
Just one more thing to do.
The doll’s hand felt like lead as she looked down to the paint scraper in her grip. This wasn’t something she wanted to do, but she had to do it. If she didn't...who knows what will happen...
With a shaky sigh, the girl finally got set to work. Her movements were slow and sluggish as the white film easily peeled away, dropping to the grass like heavy snow. She winced as the brown wood started to appear, and a moment of hesitation passed before she started to scrap again.
...It’s just for a few days...
Another long peel feel to the ground, joining the rest as she kept going.
...Everything will go back to normal after this...
More peelings fell, the sound of metal against wood becoming louder and louder.
...You can’t change the way things are...
She wasn’t just scrapping at this point. She was stabbing the wood, pressing the pointed parts in as hard as she could. She wanted to see dents, cuts, nicks, anything to let out her frustration. No one was here. She could feel however she wanted to feel. And right now, Clementine felt angry. Tears of frustration stung her eyes as black markings start to peek from under the white paint.
She didn’t want to see it. She didn’t want to be reminded. She didn’t want her birthday to come.
...You can’t change the way things are...
The child finally stopped her actions, taking the time to wipe her eyes with her arm. She tossed the tool towards the ground, leaving the job only half done. She could work on it later. Right now, she needed a break, and a chance to wipe her face clear from any tears.
