“Well, I know” Elaine replied with half a frown, before flashing brief grin. She watched the girl, feeding her dog and took more scoops of hers while she added: “You missed him, Delia. The future you, the one he’s familiar with.” She knew those words wouldn’t comfort her in the loss but would offer insight Alex never left Delia.
Bending over, Elaine stretched her arm and offered the remnants of her ice-cream to the hellhound. “Here, for you, Atticus,” she said softly. The dog wouldn’t attack her. Animals already sensed what she was. They knew there was nothing to split her from her and the world around them. It was becoming increasingly difficult to Elaine herself. Days and nights passed and she felt her awareness slipped from her skin and filled everything. It didn’t scare any longer. It was her.
“I don’t know if your dad told you about me,” she began to say, holding the cone for when the hound approached. “I am your aunt, Delia, from your father’s side. My name is Elaine. Elaine Belloc. It’s nice to meet you.”