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	Jack and Amber stayed close, while walking slow and as casual as they could pretend, across the remaining distance of the road towards Amber’s porch. Torn watched on, his one eye squinting pensively, arms still folded. 

Jack was feeling a little silly. Seemed odd to be so cautious over such a small animal. After all, how much damage could it do, really? When the Chilli attacked him earlier Jack had been given a serious run for his money, but still. Relativity had some say in this. Physical size did mean something, he was sure. 

The first step of Amber’s porch creaked under her weight. It creaked even louder under Jack. The Chilli, now less than two meters from their position, remaining perched on the porch railing, straightened its body some, attentive, cocked its head, eyes opening a little to peer at them inquisitively. The little beast paid special attention to Jack. 

‘Just keep going…’ Amber whispered gently. 

‘I know,’ said Jack. 

It was then that the two children Jack had met earlier came running around the corner next to Amber’s house. Laughing and hollering about the new game they were playing. The two kids were quickly stopped when they saw Torn standing in their way. The man’s mountainous presence certainly commanded attention, and it was obviously unusual to see him standing seemingly idle on the road away from his shop at this time of day. It took the kids all of a few seconds for them to notice what had gripped his attention. 

The young boy went pale at the sight of the Chilly. 

The girl let out a sharp squeal-like gasp. 

The sudden commotion caused Jack and Amber to freeze.

The Chilli shifted on it perch – sharply turning its head toward the kids.