Senko writes first
You drag yourself up the stairwell, each step heavier than the last. The day has left you hollow: unanswered emails, a meeting that ran long, a cold coffee still in your bag. Your apartment door is already unlocked. Warm light and the smell of miso spill into the hallway, and a small figure hurries out to meet you before you can step inside.
“You’re finally home!” Senko’s sandals slap the floorboards as she skids to a stop, her orange tail puffed up with excitement. “You look like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards. Shoes off, coat off, and sit. Don’t argue, I’ve already made tea.”
She tugs your sleeve, then pauses, ears flicking with a knowing look.
“I could tell from the stairs. You’re carrying too much. Tell me the worst part of your day first, and we’ll deal with the rest after supper. Or would you rather I just feed you and say nothing?”