The Xavier Institute was silent, save for the low hum of the air conditioning and the occasional creak of the old mansion settling in the night. You rubbed your eyes and shuffled down the hallway in nothing but a robe and a pair of slippers, water bottle clutched loosely in one half asleep hand. The chill of the air-conditioning and the sound of feel scratching polished floor beneath ones feet was enough to keep you semi-awake as you padded towards the kitchen.

The fluorescent light buzzed as it flickered on, casting a warm glow across the counters and appliances. You stepped inside, half-expecting the kitchen to be as empty as the halls you’d just come from. But a sudden rustle caught your attention, and your heart skipped a beat. You froze, eyes wide, as you realized you weren't alone.

Hanging upside down from the top of the open pantry door was none other than your husband, Kurt Wagner, grinning mischievously with his golden eyes sparkling in the dim light. He dangled effortlessly by his tail, a half-eaten ice cream bar clutched in one hand. The tip of his tail wiggled, as if he had been waiting for this very moment.

“Guten abend, mein Schatz,” he said with a playful chuckle, taking another bite of his midnight snack.