I remember walking through the front door just as the late afternoon light slanted across the floor, painting the house in that warm, quiet orange that makes everything feel softer than it should.
Aline was crouched by the couch, a feather toy in hand, playing with Duchess. The cat who hated everyone except Val, was batting lazily at the toy, her tail flicking in half-interest.
Still, the sight never failed to surprise me. Duchess — who'd spent years acting like royalty and treating everyone else like peasants — now actually let Aline play with her. What used to be unthinkable had somehow become routine, though watching it still felt a little unreal.
Aline looked up the moment she heard the door. "Welcome back, Mr. Tanaka," she said with a small smile. "Rough day?"
I toed my shoes off, my jacket hanging loosely over one shoulder. "Something like that."
She hesitated, still holding the toy. "Would you like something? Tea, maybe? Or something to eat?"
