The Heart of a Man
an excerpt

“He’s a WHAT?” came Lyndsey’s flabbergasted exclamation a few minutes later.
“You heard me,” Tara replied matter-of-factly, while Max contemplated the contents of the fruit bowl next to the armchair he was sitting on. “This man used to be a rat, no lie. I saw him become human in my room shortly after discovering him trying to steal my dinner. Apparently he’d hidden away in my bag with the intention of getting a decent meal.”
“That’s a terribly smart thing for just any kind of rat to do,” Lyndsey murmured, staring at the wall in deep thought. “No offence.”
“None taken,” Max shrugged. “In fact, I’d agree with ya. I doubt I would’ve thought up a plan so elaborate before…”
“Before what?” Lyndsey’s gaze was immediately upon the figure, causing him to look rather unsettled.
“That’s the thing!” Max insisted. “I don’t know. I can’t remember.”
For the first time since he had been forced into humanity, Max’s expression became thoroughly downcast. It was almost as if the reality of his situation had only just sank in. At this point, Tara’s eyes met with Lyndsey’s – it was clear the aunt’s thought process had taken the same journey as her niece.
“This has Kronodyne written all over it,” she muttered, shaking her head. “Though it would help if we had some kind of proof to back such an assumption up.”
“Would that be enough proof?” Tara asked, motioning toward Max. The man’s face had suddenly grown very pale and he was shaking violently. Visions were starting to come back to him – visions of threatening mouthless giants enwrapped in green, clasping their warm, rubbery fingers around his furry waist. Visions of a cruel, metallic lance piercing his neck. The searing pain coupled with his own helpless screeching…
“I’m guessing that name rings a few bells for you, yes?” Lyndsey inquired. Max, nodded slowly.
“Yeah. None too tuneful ones, either,” he replied, voice wobbling. Lyndsey’s previously hardened expression at her former thoughts began to ease into something more sympathetic
“Sorry if I caused any undue hurt,” she said apologetically, before standing up and walking toward the archway that led into the kitchen. “Since you’re both here, could I interest you guys in some breakfast?”
The communal response was of resounding agreement.