//------------------------------//
// The First Bite 
// Story: Screw Loose and Screwball: The 2nd and 3rd of The Insane 
// by TwistedSkittles 
//------------------------------//

It had been almost a week since Shoeshine had seen the filly and his puppy. She often felt herself thinking of the two. 
It was a Sunday, which were never busy compared to the rest of the week. As Shoeshine was placing a red ribbon on a shoebox, she heard the bell over her door ring. She looked up and saw Frilly Pants and his son Fancy Pants, both smiling politely at her as they stood in front of the counter.
“Good morning Miss Shine.” said Fancy Pants “I’m here for my order of silver horseshoes.”
“Oh, yes. Umm,” Shoeshine started searching for the box. “Hmmm,” When she found nothing she went to her bedroom, where she often would add the finishing touches at her desk. She looked and saw a strange lump in her bed. She removed the covers and saw the cardboard box, which was ripped and chewed on.
“Huh.” Shoe said. She picked up the box and went back to the two Pants. She placed it in front of the two unicorns. Shoe blushed apologetically and grabbed another box. Placed the horseshoes into the new box and handed it to the colt.
Fancy Pants grinned at the sight of his new shoes as if he had been given a sack of his favorite candy.
After examining them and giving a polite smile of approval,  his father stepped forward. “Another pair done perfectly Miss Shine.” He said proudly.
“Thank you sir.” Shoe said with a smile.
“Here you are.” Frilly Pants used his magic to levitate a medium sized sack. “Two hundred bits.” He put the sack onto the counter.
“Thank you. It was a pleasure doing business with you.” The mare replied politely. 
“As with you.” Frilly nodded at her and begin to lead Fancy Pants out the door.
“Thank you Miss Shine!” Fancy called as they left.
Shoeshine smiled at them as they left, then remembered the chewed up box. She turned her head to it and frowned. 
Where did you come from? She mentally asked it.
A horrifying monster came the reply.
…...
Shoeshine tossed and turned on her bed. Her back hooves were tangled in her heavy covers. She gave a frustrated sigh and flopped onto her back. The pillow was damp from her sweat.
It was the fifth time she had found a chewed up box. And every time it had taken up time and patience as she would have to find a box and then move the shoes from to chewed up box to the newer one.
Why did it keep happening? Was there an animal somewhere in her house?
Maybe I should go look for it. She thought.
No no, Another voice told her. It was rough and scratchy like sandpaper. Just go to sleep.
You're right. Tomorrow is Monday. Another busy day.
Exactly, you should get as much sleep as you can. It's a busy day for us tomorrow.
Shoeshine nodded as her eyelids suddenly felt like bricks. She closed her eyes, then suddenly opened them and gasped.
"Us?" 
But everything went dark as sleep took over.