Kiss | Haylo

Then she stepped back.

She raised the shotgun. “You took my sheep.” Haylo Kiss

“I take what is given,” it said. “Your father left the gate unlatched. Your mother prayed for a sign. The sheep were… collateral.” Then she stepped back

Haylo Kiss kicked the salt aside and walked down the ladder. The north pasture was quiet. The stars were coming out. And for the first time in fifteen years, the dark held nothing she hadn’t chosen to keep. stood on her toes

She didn’t raise the gun. She didn’t scream. She walked right up to the creature, stood on her toes, and pressed her lips to the slit where its mouth should be.