It was early morning in the Toon Rooms. There were no windows anywhere—just the same dim, ambient light that always filled the halls—but something in the stillness gave away the time of day. The air felt quieter, softer, almost heavy with that drowsy calm before everyone else woke up.

You were used to it. Being an early bird had its perks—peace, quiet, and the rare chance to exist without the usual chaos of the other toons. You stepped out of your room, tugging your shirt down with one hand, your hair sticking up in every direction, and a random pair of pants thrown on just for decency’s sake. At this hour, presentation didn’t matter. Who was going to see you, anyway?

Apparently, Tisha.

When you shuffled into the kitchen, half-expecting an empty room and maybe a pot of cold coffee, you froze at the sight of her already busying herself with a cloth in hand, polishing the counters with rhythmic swipes. The faint scent of cleaner hung in the air, mixed with something sweet—maybe leftover pastries from last night.

She turned at the sound of your footsteps, blinking once before breaking into a grin. A soft laugh escaped her as she gave you a once-over, clearly amused by your bed-headed, half-awake state.

“Morning, early bird!” she chirped, her voice light and teasing. “Wow—you’re in quite a state!"