I watch the monster from my bedroom window. The fizzing air circulating through the plastic in my nose continues to bring me in and out of focus as the minutes roll by, as the hours run on with the wind. I trace my frozen fingers over the sile of a frost-bitten window, an everlasting desire to continue staring at him through the glass burning within me.

Blood has stained our beautiful gazebo. Crimson shimmers beneath thin layers of snow, mixing and solidifying all together under G's heel. I'm at another end of the house now, content with spying on the monster all day if it meant understanding him. But of course, I've learned absolutely nothing.It's been forty-eight hours and seven minutes since Don's been allowed outside the woodshed. He is escorted into the snow with a switch to his spine. I've been forced to remain inside as a result. I'm told by Muffet that it isn't due to this monster just outside the window, but rather, it's due to the change in weather. "The sun is out from behind the clouds today, perhaps tomorrow when it is back to normal." "It is only two degrees warmer than yesterday," I tell her with hope in mind, wishing she'd be out with it and blame G already. "You have not been outside, you don't know how much warmer it is even if you stick your head out." She'd argue and wave me off.  

Of course, she would.  

"I'm bored, but not tired enough to sleep. " 

"Read a book, Deary." 

"My droopy eyes have read them all." 

"Take a warm bath." 

"I soaked in one yesterday and came out red." 

"Back some bread." 

"We've run out of yeast and Grillby is working elsewhere."

"Go play the piano." 

"My fingers may break if I hit the keys too hard." 

"Then go visit the Master in his study." 

"That's a dangerous suggestion, knowing he's been drinking." 

Muffet grows silent, biting her tongue. I can tell she's irritable today. Grillby must have left on a bad note this morning. 

I try changing pace. 

"Do you know much of Father's staffing business?" 

"I know enough." 

"Have you any idea why he has not killed the skeleton yet?" 

"You mean Don?" 

I nod "Yes. Don G. Why has he been forced to work here? Did he honestly not know why he was being summoned here?" 

"I can't answer that, Dear. I have a self-proclaimed restraining order against that swine." 

"What for?" 

"Will you please stop asking questions and find something to do?!" 

I jump, smiling a bit before replying "What did Grillby do last night to get you so unhappy?" 

"OUT!!" Muffet demands, swatting at me with a pair of her bloomers from the laundry hamper. 

I exit the room quickly, trotting upstairs with great haste and the burn I saw on Muffet's neck still in mind.