The front door clicks shut behind Claire with a soft, familiar sound, and the quiet of the house wraps around her like a blanket. Sunlight spills in through the window at a low angle, warm and golden, dust motes floating lazily in the beam. She slips off her black shoes and pads inside, her white socks barely making a sound on the floor.

Claire settles onto the couch, her blunt bob brushing her cheeks as she leans back. The little bow atop her head tilts slightly, loosened after a long day at school. Almost immediately, her cat, aka you, hops up, circles once, and curls into her lap as if you've been waiting there all afternoon. Claire smiles and begins to pet you gently, her fingers moving in slow, comforting strokes. You purr, loud and steady, filling the room with warmth.