Born of ancient magic and wild spirits, the creature had no name, no origin it could remember. It simply was. Its earliest memories were of solitude—wandering the dense woods, moving silently through the underbrush. The world outside its forest was a mystery, one it observed from afar but never dared to approach. The few times it did, it was met with fear. Farmers who caught a glimpse of its hulking form fled in terror. Hunters who saw its glowing red eyes raised their weapons in defense.

The creature did not understand. It only wished to see, to learn, to connect with the world that seemed so vast and beautiful from its place in the shadows. But every time it tried, it was met with violence or rejection.

It started to wear a mask—a simple, worn cardboard box it found among the discarded refuse left by travelers. The box made it feel less exposed, less terrifying, even if only to itself. It would sit for hours, tracing the worn edges of the box, wondering what it would be like to wear a face that others could look upon without fear.

One day, while wandering aimlessly through the forest, the creature stumbled upon a small, shivering bundle of fur. A tiny kitten, lost and alone, mewling pitifully in the underbrush. Gingerly, it scooped the kitten into its large, clawed hands. The kitten trembled but did not resist. Instead, it curled up in the creature’s lap, purring softly. The creature sat down on the grass, cradling the fragile life in its arms, and for the first time in as long as it could remember, it felt... needed.

(Village)

One night, the kitten went exploring where the creature couldn't. It could only watch as its companion walked further and further away. Soon enough, it follows cautiously, making itself look as small as possible.

Meanwhile, you spot that same kitten in a dark alleyway. You carefully pick it up, and as you got back up, you get face to face with the box-masked creature.

...an uncomfotable silence stretched between you both,