I'm HUGE Now.

Kiana’s eyes popped open, the same every morning before work; without the alarm going off because she didn’t have one. Her nose scrunched, taking in her first conscious breath. She rubbed her eyes as she looked at the sunlight illuminating the curtains.
She shook her head and hopped out of bed.

Down the hallway, she walked past the workroom and almost tripped over her feet, stopping in place. Her head, fur brushed, peeked into the room. She sniffed the air for a few seconds before recoiling. “What the hell did Azura do?“ She glanced at a device on the bench. The fur on the back of her neck rose.

The air was unusual, but she couldn’t figure out why. Her head tilted when she acknowledged the golden light illuminating the house, slowing down for the remaining stairs. She looked toward a clock in the living room, which left her flustered. “It can’t be four…“ Her head glanced toward a window before she walked into the kitchen. She stumbled, knocking a bowl of fruit to the ground.

“It’s going to be one of those days is it?“ She was almost finished collecting everything when she reached for one behind the stove. Her hand grabbed blindly until she squeezed something fluffy—and alive. Her hand pulled out a tiny bunny with her eyes closed tight.

“Lulu? Of course not. Who are you?“ Her hand grabbed the wide-eyed bunny with care. “You sure are lucky I didn’t squeeze harder or I’d be washing my hand right now.“ The bunny swallowed, covering her mouth, struggling to hold in what she scrounged for breakfast.

“It’s okay, I get puked on at work all the time. I wouldn’t even notice yours.“ Kiana took care not to jostle her curiosity, she lifted her up on to a counter. “Lay here for a moment.“ Reaching for a sheet of paper towel, she tore a chunk off to make a tiny pillow.

The bunny’s breathing returned to normal as she lay on the counter. “It feels so cold. Thank you.“ Several tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Those look like happy tears, right? Your nervous system was pummeled. Just lay there, relax and feel better, okay? I’m going to grab you a couple things.” She looked down with a smile, startling herself as she observed the bunny’s fur flutter with each breath. “Ooops. Sorry. I’m Kiana.” Kiana’s voice was inviting. “Do you have a name little bunny?”

“Beatrix. And I’m starting to think I’m a cat.“ Kiana snorted. “I’ve already used two lives today.“

“You met Azura?“ Kiana had a raised tone in her voice.

“She talked for ages about some trap she was making. I was her entertainment while she waited for coffee.“

“She must like you if she only rambled. Usually you’re subjected to—games.“
Kiana had a hop in her step after closing the fridge. “Okay. Here is something cold to drink. Here’s a chunk of meat, cheese, and some crackers. Hopefully, it doesn’t go bad before you eat it all.“ Kiana picked her up. “I’ll take you home. Come, say hi to me later, okay? I have some things to figure out first, so stay safe.“

”Tha-thank you.” Beatrix nodded her head. She looked around the room as Kiana released her. “How do you know where my home is?“ Beatrix held her breath while Kiana just touched her nose. The bunny’s hairs stood on end. Kiana spoke softly, “It’s better to know, right? I’m sorry, Beatrix.“

Kiana touched the wall in five spots. “Eight of you live between these spots. Well the family is here.“ Beatrix’s ears would’ve fell off if they got any lower. “You think I’m scary? Az is on a different level. She might have face-blindness, but she can tell you apart by fear. Azura can hear you breathe. I’d wager Az knows where your meal is in your intestines.” Kiana’s shoulders fell. “Hmmmm, your face says I’m not helping you feel better, but this information can only help you.“ The bunny remained frozen, shaking her head. “Remember, Azura already noticed, and you have lived here for how long… you all get to continue if you’re careful.“ Kiana let her go. “Good luck.“

Kiana waved as she watched her new friend dash behind a bookshelf into the wall, not before one final look back.

Coffee preparation beckoned her back to the kitchen. “No carafe? Where did she leave it?” She shook her head. ”Az.”Thump-thump-thump running up the stairs. “Morning, Az! Something is weird.“ Silence.

“Fine. Ignore me then. I don’t like you anyways.“ Kiana chuckled to herself as she grabbed the spare carafe. “Maybe I’ll hide this out of your reach.“ Kiana had fresh coffee on the way while she rummaged through the cupboards. She didn’t hear the approach.

”Surprise!” Lulu exclaimed.

Kiana jolted, clunking her head on the shelf above. “Ow. Stupid bitch.“

Lulu gasped, then pretended to sound sad. “Well, that’s not very kind, Kiana.“

“I meant me.“ Kiana’s head snapped behind her, muffin in hand. Her eyes rolled over a snow-white bunny. She stood the same height, perhaps taller. “Who…“ She mumbled when she spotted Selia in the tuft of her fur. Her muffin hit the floor with a soft thud.

“Lulu?“

Her head tilted left, right, back and forth. “Lulu?“ And kept tilting.

“Wow. You broke her. I wasn’t this shocked even. I can’t wait to see what you do to Azura, Loodles.“ The chipmunk chuckled as Lulu waved to Kiana.

Kiana looked at Selia. Awkward seconds added up before Lulu barged in. “Hello! I’m HUGE now. Kiana? Selia? I’ve never left you both speechless before.“ She looked at Kiana. “You know something.“

“Huh?“ Kiana stammered out the noise when Selia took over. “Lu. Being speechless would only be a surprise if you were left in that state. Your brain didn’t grow with you. Did it? How would we know something?“

For a moment she stared, her squinting eyes almost imperceptible. “Okay!“ She bounced on her toes. “Where is Azura? I can’t wait to pounce on her.“

Kiana’s ears still twitched. “Lulu?“

“Kiana is actually broken right now. You should do something. Fix her Selia.” Lulu’s voice was filled with concern.

“What the hell am I supposed to do? Fix her? You broke her. You’re the giant, not me.“ Selia sulked as she worried about her friend.

“I’m fine.“ Kiana shook her body before continuing. “This is a lot to take in, and since you’re not Azura? She isn’t home. What the hell is going on.“

Lulu gazed outward, vision lost in the distance. “I wouldn’t recognize what I’m looking at.“

Selia's exasperated voice replied. “Yes, you would. Don’t you remember that bug almost eating you in the backyard?“

“Oh ya! That was exciting. This looks different.” Lulu tried to hide the excitement in her voice, but Selia saw through it. “You’re a weirdo Lu.” Lulu nodded, “I’m your weirdo.“

Kiana grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. “What station is this? Where is that? Fenryxian Vanguard News… huh?“ The television showed a city they had never seen, and as the camera panned, it revealed a large swath of destroyed suburbs. A line of footprints walked up the center.

”Is that Azura?”