i'm sorry to hear about your girlfriend's disappearance. no, yeah, really- oh, my clothes seem tight? don't worry about it, i just put on some winter weight.
"I hear police think there might be a pred in the area."
"Jesus-"
Confused you ask, "a what?"
They look at you. One of them says:
"A predator. They look just like us, it's basically impossible to tell the difference."
"-I think I can tell," the other said, "Its in the eyes; they look hungry. Ive seen photos before."
"What? Is it just like another word for a serial killer?"
"Not really. They dont just kill people, they eat them. And not like a cannibal; they swallow people whole."
There's a moment of shocked silence, as you try to figure out a response
"That's terrifying" you say.
"They're pretty rare though, luckily." The other co worker says. "Anyway, it's about lunch time, do you want to come along?"
Unconsciously, you place your hand over your belly. You feel a quiet, content gurgle, like it's agreeing to keep your secret. The two of you are in cahoots. you still feel it's fullness and heaviness from last night's feast.
"I'm alright, I'll go later. I've still got work to do."
They both get up, one says "ok dont work too hard."
The other adds, "and don't get eaten before we get back haha"
"God, I sure hope not" you reply. When they're gone you sit and think,