previously on Snappy world …

Helena gave the door a little push and the first thing she noticed was a real ripe, pungent odour permeating the air of the apartment.

“Alice?” She called out hesitantly as she pulled a face.

 “Alice? Where are you?” Helena queried again.

“Here.” Came the faint voice of Alice from the left.

Helena walked down the short hallway to what appeared to be the apartments living room. It took her a moment to spot Alice curled up on the couch while taking in and familiarising herself with the room.

Helena walked over and sat herself down on the coffee table before the couch and gave Alice an encouraging smile.

“So … Where’s the ferocious beast you would like me to help catch and/or save you from?” Helena tried jovially, noting Alice’s lacklustre posture and her dull countenance on the couch.

“Last I saw Snappy was at the front door.” Alice waved a hand about in the general direction.

“Well, it’s not there now and I did not see hide nor shell of it while coming down the hall either.” Helena replied.

“I’m sorry. I am sorry for calling you Helena. I know I’ve over dramatised the situation and it’ll be fine. I can manage Snappy on my own. Freaking out over nothing seems to be a common occurrence when it comes to me lately.” Alice commented looking down at her hands as they fidgeted with the bottom of her t-shirt.

Helena reflected on what Alice said then reached over to take her fidgeting hands. Pausing a moment and waited for Alice to look at her before saying in her sincerest manner: “Alice. I am here and am willing to help you find Snappy.”

Alice gave her a quick embarrassed smile.

“Come on, lets get you off this couch and we will find this wayward turtle of yours.” Helena smiled back while giving Alice’s hand a quick squeeze before helping her by pulling her up from the couch.

“Now. Tell me why your apartment manager had to let me in?”

“Um, ok. Well … when I called you I was too freaked to leave the couch and so called Bert to let you in, but like I said … and I feel embarrassed by it but. Yeah, I lost it when the lights went out and then found that damn turtle missing from the tank … and the meds. You know?” Alice shrugged. “Let’s face it … what’s the worst Snappy can do?”