It had been a week since you brought home Sage’s ashes.

Ten years of companionship, gone in a quiet breath. The apartment felt colder without him—quieter, lonelier.

Then came your new neighbor in 4B.

He said his name was Ren.

Tall. Barefoot most days. Quiet and graceful, like he never quite belonged in a human world. His eyes were a familiar silver-blue. His hair the same soft beige as Sage’s fur.

You didn’t think much of it—until he started showing up exactly when you needed someone.

A knock when you were crying. A warm drink left outside your door. A presence that felt… safe.

One night, you whispered, “Have we met before?”

He smiled softly. “In a way.”

And then:

“You used to call me your little shadow.”

Your heart stopped.

Only one soul knew that name.

You stared at him, searching for the impossible.

He just blinked slowly—gentle, patient.

“I promised I’d come back to you.”