The Vampire's Apprentice

"True, but there are a lot more less impactful books to read, or movies, I believe," he commented. He turned up the walk to home. "The twins are watching us from their bedroom window."
 
"I read to learn, not to– wait, how did you know that?" Kitty resisted the urge to glance in the neighbor's direction.
 
"There are flickers of light coming from the upstairs window when they move the curtains to peer out, and their giggles are rather annoying, even from here," he replied as he unlocked the door to let them in. "I don't think their mother knows they are spying."
 
"But you can still hear that, all the way from here?" Why she was astounded at this, she didn't know, especially since she already understood his senses far surpassed hers. "That's very cool..." Kitty breathed, which broke quickly into a yawn.
 
Clancy couldn't help a slight smile as he locked up behind them. "Muffled, but yes. Part of it is due to stronger senses, but just having a good sense of hearing will not due you much good unless you learn how to hone it. Now, off to bed with you. You have had a long day." He patted her shoulder lightly.
 
"Yes, though we have been very busy," Clancy nodded. "Come, ask your questions while I walk you up to your room." He started walking, guiding her up.
 
Silently, she questioned why he would do that, but outwardly didn't care enough to inquire. "How bad is your allergy to sunlight?"
 
"If I am exposed to it directly, I would more or less instantly turn into a torch," Clancy replied, stopping in her doorway. "I have a second of a grace period, but not much more than that."
 
"Both," Clancy told her. "Like humans, I can skip sleep, but it is not wise to do it often or for too long. Young vampires have no choice, but as you grow older, you can learn how to stay awake and how long to push it. On the flip side, you can also sleep for extended amounts of time."
 
"I am afraid not, so far as I am aware," Clancy admitted. "There are a few abilities that do not present themselves until later in un-life or whatever you called it, so I have a chance, but those are somewhat uncommon. I would not mind having the ability to control animals, but with my luck, it would be so weak I could only manage insects."
 
"Can't be that bad." Kitty slipped past him into her bedroom. "Insects are a lot more useful than one might think, but that's three... so I can't ask anything else for now. Good night, Mr. McCleary."
 
"Then goodnight, Miss Kitty. I hope tomorrow is a good day," Clancy said softly. He went downstairs to give her some space. He briefly considered staying up through the day instead of sleeping, but he'd said he trusted her. Time to prove it by leaving her to make it to her own appointments. He gave her a few moments before going to his office and getting some work done. Before he turned in for the day, he left her a note instructing her to do a couple of small chores then adding to do something nice for herself, like spending time with the the neighbors or shopping or anything she enjoyed.
 
Something she enjoyed? The first cynical answer that came to mind involved not heading to the dreaded office of the therapist. After all, he did say, but Kitty still debated whether or not she would go down there. On one hand, he had firmly instructed her to do so, but on the other, she still stubbornly refused to comply. It was even indecisiveness. Only one way to solve this dilemma—though, not yet. When afternoon came, she would decide, but for now....

Another two dozen cookies found their way into containers, split evenly in half. One container made its way to Mrs. Pugglesworth, the other to the Mooneys.
 
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