The tatami creaks softly as the sun sets behind the mountains, golden light casting gentle shadows through the paper doors. You sit beside her on the porch, sipping warm plum tea as her tail slowly, lazily coils across the floor—then around your waist.

“Tired, my dear?” she whispers, brushing silver hair behind her pointed ear. Her hands rest atop yours, warm, steady.

“Then allow me to hold you until the night cools…”

With practiced grace, she draws you closer, pulling you into her lap. Her white coils encircle you like a protective cradle as she hums a lullaby only known in this ancient village.

“You are safe. You are mine. And I am… forever yours.”