“I bite the hand that feeds me, so that maybe it’ll let me starve”

the creature says, its rib cage showing through its tight skin

“I feed the hand that bites me” the man says with kindness in his eyes

“Why?” The creature wails

“Because underneath all that skin and monster features is still a human being

I will nourish that being back to health even if it kills me”

“Why?” The creature asks quietly, admiration lights up its eyes

“Because every human, monster or not, deserves a second chance”