I don’t know why I bothered trying to run. Predictably, a vine snaked out and caught my ankle. I tripped and started to fall. Before I could hit the ground, more vines wrapped around me and hoisted me into the air, face down.

“Let me go, you obnoxious weed!”

“Tsk, now we’ve talked about this. You’re going to be addressing me as ‘Mistress’, but if you’re not ready for that, it’s ok to call me Rubus.”

I struggled even though I knew it was pointless. “I’m never calling you that, you, you… aggravating bush monster!”

I could hear her chuckle surrounding me. I was becoming more entangled by the moment. I refused to give up, but I knew it would all be over as soon as she…

I felt a sharp prick in the back of my neck. Warm lassitude began to overtake me.

“Shhhh, that’s right, just relax. If you won’t accept care, you’ll just have to be restrained. Now, let’s go back to the couch and cuddle, pet.”

I couldn’t move, and didn’t want to. I smiled up at her in perfect contentment.