A Fox For A Day

I woke up and felt the floor beneath me. I unconciously got up and walked over to the bathroom but didn’t see a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I fully woke up and backed uo to look at the mirror.

I wasn’t there..

I wasn’t looking back at myself.

I wasn’t human anymore!

I was...I was a...a..fox. A red fox.

I heard Ethan’s footsteps coming closer to the bedroom. He was coming back from making breakfast to wake me. I had to move.

I ran under the bed and panted a bit but shut my mouth when the door opened. “Noah?” I heard, but didn’t answer.

“Noah..?” Ethan had gotten on the bed and I stayed quiet. “Noah?” He repeated my name again, more concerned then the last. He had realized I wasn’t in bed.

And then he started to search for me..but I didn’t dare move. I was way too scared.

I was always scared of being accepted..and now, I’m not even human..

Ethan got more frustrated after some minutes had passed and he had looked everywhere but under the bed. “Dad?”

I really felt weak. I wanted to cry..but the feeling wasn’t new.

Cadence had came in, “What happened? Where’s Peter?”

“I don’t know..he’s not here. I..can’t find him.”

“Well, maybe you haven’t looked everywhere yet.” Oh, no.

I usually liked that the kids were very smart..but I did not want to be found. Especially like this.

“Have you checked under the bed?” “No..but why would he be under the bed?” This isn’t good. This is seriously, not good.

“I mean, you might as well check. They’re always under the bed in the movies.” Cadence said, and Ethan sighed. Oh no. I’m so literally and utterly dead.

Cadence got on his knees and looked under the bed.

We made eye contact so fast. He immediately screamed and scrambled away. “Dad! Dad! There’s something under the bed! I..I think it’s an animal..or what if its a..a monster?!”

Ethan got up and I knew I had to move before he did.

I got ready to run and I sure did when Ethan started to move. I ran out from underneath the bed and ran into the hall. I ran into the living room and saw the front door was closed so there was no way for me to get out that way. I heard Cadence and Ethan coming so I made the descision to run to the girls’ room.

I ran to the room and ran inside before hurrying to close the door. Only Natalia had been inside. I ran quickly beneath her bed, knowing she had heard me.

Natalia got on her knees and looked under her bed. I was about to run again but she slowly reached out to me. Natalia was so calm..it wasn’t unexpected though. My daughter had usually always been calm and quiet but she was the dangerous type.

I couldn’t run when she bravely grabbed me. I didn’t want to hurt my daughter so I let her bring me out into the light. Natalia picked me up in her arms and held me close.

“How did you get in here, pretty fox?” I really don’t know, Nat. I woke up like this.

“Where’d it go?” I heard Ethan from the living room. “Where’d what go?” Elias asked, “There’s an animal in the house! I think it’s a fox!” Cadence said and I heard him start to run again.

I started to struggle and Natalie looked down at me.

‘Don’t let them find me. Please.’ I tried to say with my eyes. “I won’t let them find you. You remind me of my Papa.” I wanted to cry again. My precious little girl. She was surely going to get hugs, kisses, and cuddles when I turned human again. If I ever did turn back.

Natalie hid me under her pillows and the boys came in.

“Nat! Have you seen a red fox?” “A red fox..why in the world would I have seen a fox?” Nat asked liked she truly had not seen a fox.

“Are you sure?” Elias asked. “Why would I lie?” Nat asked, “Let’s just go boys. We have to check on Emma.” Ethan said, and they left. Nat made sure they left before sitting next to me. I moved out from out of her pillows and curled up next to her.

“Where do you think my Papa is, fox?” Nat whispered, running her hands through my fur coat. I got up and jumped off her bed to sit in front of the mirror.

I slowly looked at her and her eyes widened. “P-Papa?” I layed down and whimpered.

“How..did this happen, Papa?” I tilted my head in confusion so she hopefully knew what I meant. “You don’t know, do you?”

“I’m sorry, Papa..I hope you turn back into a human soon..” Nat said and picked me up again.

“Nat, do you-” Emma screamed when she saw Nat holding me. Oh, no.

Natalia did something that surprised me.

She ran and got out the bedroom window. With me in her arms.

“Papa, I’ll keep you safe, no matter what!” I love you, Nat.

Natalia ran and I noticed we were somewhat far from the house. I knew Ethan wouldn’t be happy. But I didn’t really care..

What would you do to a random fox in your room? You’d try to get it out, scare it, or even kill it, wouldn’t you? I wouldn’t want to imagine what Ethan would do.

Natalia had ran into a wooded area and climbed up into a tree.

I really wanted to be human again..I couldn’t handle this. I wished this never happened.

“You’re hungry, aren’t you, Papa? You didn’t have the chance of eating breakfast, did you?” I put my head on her shoulder. “I’ll get you some food soon, Papa.” I heard as I started to fall asleep from exhaustion.

When I woke up, Natalia was sleep. I raised up and noticed it was dark out. I hadn’t eaten all day.

I raised up and noticed I had hands instead of paws. I had my human legs instead little furry ones. I missed having my body but I also missed having a coat of fur. It was a little chilly.

I slid down the tree and got on my two feet. I noticed that I was wearing what I slept in, black shorts and an undershirt. Which meant I had to walk home barefoot in this windy-ish weather.

I sighed and picked my daughter up from her spot in the tree.

I also didn’t have my glasses on so that helped a lot.

I started walking home which wasn’t too far and I knew where we were.

“Papa?!” I heard and looked down at Natalia.

“Hi, Nat.” I smiled and she hugged my neck.

“You’re back to your human form!” “Yeah..just needed some rest I guess.” I said, hugging her back. She wouldn’t let go of my neck so I let her wrap her small legs around my waist.

“I missed you but it was nice for a little I guess.” Nat smiled and I did too. “Yeah, it was huh?”

“Do you think Ethan is worried?” Nat asked, “He’s probably freaking out right now.”

I was right.

I opened the door and everyone looked at us. Caty was here too.

“Noah..” I closed the door, and looked at them.

“Papa..what happened?” Emma asked, walking over and hugging me. “There was an emergency and I had to leave. I found Natalia on the way back.”

“Was it such an emergency to leave without saying anything, taking your phone, and changing into some clothes?” Elias asked, munching on some crackers.

“Yes, it was.”

“Noah, we need to talk.” Ethan said, and Emma let go of me so I could put Nat down. Nat looked at me and I patted her head before following Ethan into the bedroom.

I went to the closet and grabbed one of my red hoodies. “Noah.” “Yes?”

“What actually happened this morning?” I put my hoodie on and grabbed some sweatpants. “I got turned into a fox.” I said, almost laughing about how ridiculous it sounded.

“How?” “I don’t know. I just woke up on the floor in a fox’s body.” I said, with a smile and looked at the mirror.

I ran a hand through my red orange hair and grabbed my glasses. “Why did you hide?”

“Ethan, you know why. What would you and Cadence have done to any animal you would have found?” I asked.

“Running was the better thing to do..running to the girls’ room wasn’t planned but it happened.”

“Why did Natalia lie?” “She didn’t want me to be found. Neither did I. I didn’t want anyone seeing me like that.”

“Why’d it take you so long to come home?” “We were sleeping.” I said, walking to the door. I walked out of the room and went to the living room.

“Hey, Noah. I’m glad you’re back home.” Caty said, and I nodded. Natalia walked over to me and I looked at the twins who were frowning.

“What’s with them?” “They’re mad I won’t tell them what happened to the fox.” Natalia said, holding my hand.

“Hm. Have you all eaten?” “Yeah..we didn’t think you’d come back so soon-” “That’s not true, Papa. Daddy put up leftovers.” Emma said, and walked over to the refrigerator. I went over and opened it to grab the leftovers.

“So, how have you been, Noah?” I turned around after closing the refrigerator. “I’m fine.” Cary had sat at the bar counter to talk to me like she didn't just try to say that there was no food so I would have to figure something out.

“Was everything okay with your emergency?” “Yes..everything turned out alright.” I said, making our plates.

“So, I was wondering if we could take the kids and go shopping tomorrow.” She said, and I stayed calm. “Who’s we?” I asked, warming up our plates.

“You, me, and the kids.” Caty said, “Oh, no. I’m not going anywhere with you.” Cadence said, crossing his arms and I looked at him.

Natalia got our plates out of the microwave.

“Why not? It’s just Peter.” Caty looked at Cadence with a smile on her face.

“No, I’m not talking about Peter. I’m talking about you. You’re not my mom.” Cadence said, and I took our plates to the table with the girls following me.

“Cadence, Peter isn’t your mother either.” Caty said, as we sat down. “He’s more of a mom than you are.” Cadence retorted. I tried to stay calm as I could even though I was freaking out inside my head,

“Elias, sweetie, what do you think?” “I think we’re going shopping with Peter tomorrow.” Elias said, walking over to me.

“I think you should leave, Caty.” I heard Ethan say, coming into the room and I looked at Elias.

“I’m sorry for my behavior..and my attitude, Peter.” He apologized, and I nodded. “It’s alright, Eli.” I said, and he hugged me.

“I’m sorry too..I’d pick you over her any day.” Cadence said, coming over to join the hug. I smiled a little.

“That isn’t fair. You didn’t bare them.” Caty said, getting up from her spot. "I raised them.” I said, looking at Caty.

“Don’t argue, Caty. I don’t have the patience to deal with you. Everyone needs to go to bed. We’re tired. It’d be better if you leave. Now.” Ethan said.

Caty left and we finished our food. “I’ll wash the bowls-” “I’ll help you.” Natalia said to Emma and they walked to the kitchen.

I let Cadence get on my back and I picked Elias up before walking to their room. I put them on their beds but Elias came over when I sat on Cadence’s bed.

There was a silence but I didn’t say anything because I knew that they had wanted to talk.

“P-Papa, I’m sorry.” I heard Cadence stutter and I pulled him closer. “It’s okay, Cadence. It’s okay..I forgive you.” I said, seeing tears run down his face continuously.

Elias put his head on my legs and was quiet but I knew he was crying too. I moved his hair out of his face and kissed his head. “It’s alright..I’m not mad at you.”

“Won’t do it again.” They both said, when I finally got them to calm down. “Okay.” I smiled and kissed their heads again.

After getting the children to sleep, Ethan and I had been laying in bed about to go to sleep.

“If you turn into another animal again tomorrow, don’t leave me, okay? You know I can’t handle you being away.” Ethan whispered and I nodded. “I won’t leave ever again.” I said, and Ethan went to sleep but soon, so did I.

Four days. 2156 words.

This was fun but on to the next one. ;)

I hope you enjoyed.