A preview for a Patreon exclusive tale, ready for Valentine's Day! Enjoy this sneak peek!
“Some Valentine's Day…” Ellie turned the light off in the kitchen then, trudging over to the living room. “Can't have any romance, any love… stupid, damn day…”She dropped herself onto the couch, brushing her long brown hair back behind her shoulder. She reached for the remote. If she couldn't experience love, she might as well just waste the hours away by watching some generic rom-coms to feel some holiday spirit.That was when she heard it. There was a knock at her apartment. She looked over at it, confused. Who was that?She walked over and peeked through the peephole. There was nobody out in the hall as far as she could tell. She even gave it a moment, just in case someone would step into view.Okay then… She put the chain latch on the door and cautiously opened it, peering out. Still, there was no one she could see down any direction of the hall. So, who the hell was that?Ellie was about to close the door, writing it off as some kid in the building knocking on random doors, when she glanced down. On the doormat was a stuffed, red bear, the kind one would find the Valentine's Day section of a grocery store or the like. Stuck between its paws was a pink envelope.She gave it a look, another glance around the hallway, and finally opened the door. She took the bear and envelope. Holding them close, she could curiously smell a sweet, honey scent coming off of them.Closing and locking the door, Ellie took a moment to study the toy first. She felt it up, squeezing and feeling around for anything that might be inside. It seemed all normal, but who could've sent it to her?Then, a thought came to her, one that felt so obvious. Alex. He must've suspected things were going to go south for their special evening in advance, she thought. He snuck off when his manager wasn't looking and had DoorDashed whatever this was to their apartment for her.She smiled, looking at the bear. I'm really not much on stuffed animals, but it is the thought that counts. He's sweet.Ellie took the items to the living room, sitting down on the couch. She placed the bear up against the arm rest facing her as she looked at the envelope. Wonder what he sent here.She opened it up, finding a pink piece of parchment inside. It looked to be a letter written with a sweetish flair. She began to read it.As she did, however, her smile shrank. It got smaller and smaller the longer she read. The contents were… disconcerting to say the least.It read, Dear Miss Murry, you are having a bad time away from your beloved this holiday of love, are you not? Don't worry. I'll help fill you with all the love you need to get through today and help you share it with him when he gets home. Yours truly, Love UrsineA cold shiver ran up her spine, her hands clenching and crunching the paper. Who the hell… Her teeth chattered. Where… Her heart began racing.There were so many questions, so many thoughts buzzing through her mind. She could barely handle them all. Someone knew she was alone. Who was this “Love Ursine”?