You shake your head. It's every man for himself in this world, and you've already delayed enough. Besides.... there's no way to know for sure if this kid is telling the truth. She may just be looking for an easy meal. You glance uneasily down at her stomach, and shudder at the thought of being crammed down inside it.
"Sorry, kid, I really have to go. I don't dare imagine where I'll end up if I'm late. Look, if you go back that way..." You trail off as you see the frightened expression on the child's face melt away, replaced by an angry pout. It's enough of a warning, and you leap back just in time as she lunges for you with a growl. Her fingertips graze your pants, mere inches from seizing you and pulling you to a horrid doom. You don't stay around to give her a second chance, and sprint like a madman down the alleyway. You don't stop running until you reach the sidewalk. You turn to look behind you, half expecting to see her little hands grabbing for you, but it looks like you gave her the slip. Your heart is pounding, and your chest heaving, but you can't stop to rest now. You set off at a brisk pace towards the school, arriving with just minutes to spare.
