laws at work. ancient and new. compromises made in the space of a skull.

they order thoughts and wipe reminders. the man is engulfed in fog. he fades to a silhouette. it disperses, too.

she opens her eyes in the way of daytime dreamers. a flutter. a soft look.

until in her mind is gently placed the concept of teeth.

with a small noise - first tell of her species - she moves herself back by the elbows, until head touches bark of tree. there is the sensation of frigidness, and of wetness. there is the snout, with all its whiskers, and dark fur and flews which could at any moment pull. she is seized by fear that is new, and is all she's ever known.

the caged dancer of her chest picks up its pace. her eyes are rimmed with white as she watches the wolf.