— "Oh, no... my poor shirt" —I whispered, looking at the dust stains and those tiny cobwebs that had clung to the fabric. I felt so tired that my legs were trembling just a little. It had been a long day trying to make this place feel like a home.

Carefully, I took off my clothes right there in the kitchen. Feeling the air brushing against my bare skin gave me a tiny shiver, but the good kind. My eyes met Rena’s apron, still resting on the stool, and the food basket on the table.

— "I’ll return it tomorrow... I hope she doesn’t think I’m messy for leaving it here" —I said softly, smiling as I imagined her energy. She makes everything seem so effortless.

I walked a bit, feeling the wooden floor beneath my bare feet. I passed through the living room, seeing my green couch looking so lonely in the middle of so much space. I glanced at the corner where my PC is; that’s supposed to be my writing sanctuary, but right now it just looks like another piece of furniture in a house that still feels empty. When I reached the main window to watch the sunset, I remembered something that made me turn pale.

— "That's right... there are no curtains. There’s nothing to cover me" —I stammered. I suddenly felt so exposed, as if the forest had a thousand eyes.

I hugged myself, feeling so small, and tiptoed—almost running—down the hallway toward the bathroom. I rushed inside and put my clothes to wash in the machine right by the entrance. Finally, I closed the door with my heart racing.

— "No one can see me here..." —I whispered, feeling relieved.

I looked at the large bathtub that takes up almost the entire room. I was longing to dive in. While the water filled with lavender bubbles, I saw myself in the mirror, fogged up by the steam. I drew a tiny sad face with my finger before getting in. The warm water was the hug I needed.

Under the foam, my hands began to roam over my skin very gently. It was such a sweet sensation... my fingers moved with the same slowness as the honey dripping from the spoon this morning. I felt that same warmth from before, and my tail twitched under the water, creating small ripples among the bubbles.

— "I’m such a mess..." —I smiled to myself, hiding my blushing face behind the foam—. "If anyone saw this angel right now...".