'Monsters': The Tale of the Werewolf sneak peek

A sneak peek from the werewolf's story within 'Monsters'

“So that’s how it ends, Matilda.  Just a lonely monster at a bar who’s lost hope of a normal life, a life where he doesn’t have to live in fear.”

Matilda set down her pen and reached over, grabbing his hand resting on the bar.  “That doesn’t have to be the end of the story.”  Kurt felt the urge to pull his hand back, but he resisted.  Her hand was smooth and cool against his; comforting.  His eyes met hers.  She smiled at him.  “I know you mean well.  But maybe that’s just the way life is.”  He stood, sliding his hand out from under hers.  “This was a bad idea, I need to go.”

“Kurt.  No, Kurt, wait!”  Matilda dropped a few dollar bills on the counter and snatched up her notepad, placing it in her bag and following him out.

It had begun pouring rain outside and Kurt shoved his hands into his pants pockets, leaning into the wind as he headed in the direction of his apartment.  Matilda stepped out into the rain, looking both ways and spotting Kurt walking down the desolate street.

“Kurt!”  She shouted, starting after him.  He continued walking; she was not sure if he did not hear her or was ignoring her.  She began running, water splashing up on her shins as she did so.  “Kurt!”  She touched his arm and he stopped, turning back to her.  They were both soaking wet from head to foot, water dripping off the tip of Kurt’s nose.  “That doesn’t have to be the end.”  She had to yell over the pounding rain.  “There has to be some way.  I… I want to help you.”

Kurt looked at her sympathetically.  “People around me -my kind - just tend to get hurt.  I know you mean well, but… it’s dangerous.  And you barely even know me.”

“I know.  But there’s just, something about you… I want to help.  I don’t just want to write about you… I want to be a part of your story.”

The two stood there a moment in the pouring rain, staring at each other.  Matilda suddenly grabbed him and pulled him towards her, kissing him.  He let out a startled sound, so disconcerted that he made no move to resist.