Page 44 of Escape from Amazdom

"Right," I say, chuckling to myself.

"You wanna get yourself a real man like the Terminator or Captain America. Now they would be worth getting worked up about, plus they'd never let you down."

"Sounds good, but I'm not sure they exist in the real world."

"Well, maybe now that you know how to launch, you can go to another planet and find yourself a hot sexy alien."

"Yeah right."

"Oh, I'm just having some fun," she says, smiling innocently.

"Sure," I say, taking a scoop of my melted ice cream.

Noticing the tortoises have finished their helpings, Auntie Mary gets up and throws some more in their bowls. I swear they think she's their mom.

"I'd better go," I say, checking the time. I get to my feet and go to take out my bowl.

"Don't worry, I'll clean up," says Auntie Mary, waving her hands at me. "You don't want to be late. Now, try have fun at work."

"Fun? At Darren's Dead-hole Bar? I'm not sure about that."

"I don't know why you bother when I can give you the money."

"I'm happy earning my keep. Besides, I might not need to much longer."

"Hopefully not. You're a good kid, Chloe. Now give me a cuddle," she says, standing up.

As she wraps her arms round to give me a big hug, a pang of emotion bubbles in my throat. I hate leaving her alone, but I have to work.

I move my head back and gaze into her eyes.

"Thanks, and you're a great auntie."

"I've tried my best. You watch yourself now, it's a jungle out there," she says, tapping the side of her nose as she gives me a look of wisdom.

"Oh, stop stressing. I'll be fine. Let's do something tomorrow. Maybe we can go into town or something."

"Perfect, I need to get some new bedding for the tortoises and some live feed for the turtles."

"Great," I say, smiling at her peculiar ways.

As I open the door to leave, I turn round and watch her jabbering to her reptile buddies. Maybe I shouldn't feel so guilty for leaving her alone. Deep down she's a strong woman and she's helped me become one too.

That, in itself, is a blessing.

Taking a deep breath, I walk out and close the door while wondering what treats are waiting for me at Darren's Loser Bar.