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Spring - Lingering Cold - 5 (The little Sentinel)
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Completely out of sight and well hidden in a storm drain facing the park, yet another, last set of eyes had watched the events in the park with great interest. Of course, none of the children had noticed them down there in the dark gloom, but surprisingly, even the cat had missed the last being's presence. Twice, one might add.
The storm drain, its opening half obscured by heaps of wet, fallen leaves, provided an excellent and sheltered survey point. Lookouts had taken their places everywhere the girl might visit, and this spot had proven to be very useful in obtaining information. Humans were oblivious to its presence, and most animals were too big to enter.
Almost invisible in the shadows, the shiny gloss and reddish colour gave this last set of onlooking eyes the impression of petite rosé pearls. They sparkled with keen intelligence and were set on the sides of a streamlined head, its outlines softened by smooth, white fur. The overall structure of the head was compact yet elongated and concluded in a small, pink nose that twitched back and forth. Complemented by quivering whiskers, this arrangement created an impression of inquisitive alertness. Few things would be able to escape the attentive gaze of the vigilant sentinel.
It had watched the events in the park intently; curiosity sparked by the flurry of events yesterday afternoon. Humans had been a mere nuisance up to this point, but they had to be viewed with a new perspective - now that the spectator had been able to determine the source of the disturbances in the pattern of late. Interest had intermingled with intrigue, as the introduction of another unexpected factor was imminent. The combination and early initiation changed all the anticipated dynamics and prospects. This was of utmost importance.
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Having left during the night to find sustenance, intuition had compelled the spy to a prompt return, and now it praised its own forethought. With the slow and rhythmic sound of dripping water from melting snow in the background, it registered the arrival of the girl, followed by a boy from yesterday. The cat had remained hidden under one of the parked cars until the humans had left. Afterward, a quick run took the white and red animal to one of its usual hiding places nestled in the roots of a tree, where it stayed for now.
Delicate ears, round and rosy, had perked up as the children started talking to each other, but nothing of importance was said between the two of them. Then the boy had returned a second time, without the girl. He did nothing to warrant interest, and as he left once more, the watchful eyes turned away from the park. Still cautious not to miss anything of importance, the patient lookout had waited for a good while, as its reluctance to leave had already led to the observation of yesterday's occurrences. The park had stayed and was still empty, save for a few inconsequential humans passing through. Not even the cat had made another appearance.
Nonetheless, peculiar events were unfolding, the hidden one mused. It would have frowned, had it possessed the capability to do so. Its time could be spent better than just waiting here for something to happen, and the scratching sound of small clawed feet indicated departure.
With a swish of a very long, rosy tail, the sentinel was gone. It would return soon.
Right now, the affairs of the last two days had to be reported.
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