Chapter 7

As I trudged inside my home, welcoming the familiar scent of cinnamon and frankincense, I tossed my bag to the floor and hurriedly slipped off my heels. I hissed as my feet settled on the cool floor. An uncomfortable feeling that I’ve unfortunately grown used to and know will pass as I venture deeper into my home. 

I adored my little cottage. 

Tucked away from the constant bustling town and even further from the monster infested forest, it was secluded enough that I was promised enough privacy without having to deal with pesky neighbors but still close enough that I could call upon someone incase of an emergency. I had a garden brimming with common flowers and rare herbs. A selective amount of vegetables and fruits grew from my trees and bushes, purposely chosen for my love towards them.    

It took a while until this place actually felt like my home. I’ve combed through every inch of my cottage, decorating with carefully picked decor that I’ve foraged for. I wanted this house to represent me in the best way.

Small yet comfortable. 

A sturdy home built from the strongest timber, colored in my favorite dark hues and smelling of whatever new scent I was obsessed with. 

As I made my way into my living room, following the sounds of high pitched screeches until I stumbled upon a fluff brown. He was perched on a bookshelf, slitted gaze focused on a random spot on my ceiling.

“Xeno.” I called out. 

Continuing to screech, Xeno looked away from the ceiling, creepily turning his head so he was now facing me. He blinked once, his pupils slowly beginning to dilate as he took in my tired smile.

“Come here.”

Xeno leapt from the top, landing on the floor with a soft thud. He happily pranced over to me, sweet purrs replacing the loud screeches as he weaved between my legs. I enjoyed the feeling of his soft brown fur brushing against me. 

“Hi baby.” I cooed, “Let me take a bath and then we can cuddle.”

Xeno meowed.

I resisted the urge to reach down to pet him. 

I desperately needed a shower.

Knowing if I folded to Xeno’s wishes, I wouldn’t get the chance to do that until way later tonight. I’ll be too tired to bathe myself, let alone feed him later. I rather not hear Xeno yell at me because I’m late feeding him. My adorable pet could turn into an annoying, whiny monster if I don’t follow the established schedule. 

“I know, but I really need a bath.”

Xeno meows again. 

“I’ll be quick.” I pleaded, slowly backing away from my clingy pet. “I promise.”

I could tell he didn’t like what I was telling him. His ears slowly begin to drop and his meows grow a bit more desperate as I finally reach the hall. 

I could feel my resolve breaking.    

If I didn’t do anything now, it was only a matter of time before I was at his bidding.

“Xeno,” I warned, raising a finger towards him. I pointed, hoping to come off as stern as I continued, “No. We can cuddle later. Unless you want to take a bath with me?”

He huffed from his nose, poofy tail whipping around in obvious annoyance at my words.

I continued, “Does Xeno want bath ti-”

Not bothering to stay to listen to me finish my sentence, Xeno turned his attention to my couch. He trotted over, leaping onto a pillow that he seems to favor for this week. 

I quickly darted down my hallway. I didn’t trust him enough to stay on the couch and I didn’t trust myself to not join him. Being the lazy woman that I was, it wasn’t hard to convince me to sit around and do nothing. There were days that I wallowed in my own funk and despair, too lazy to actually do anything about it.

I was more than willing to do it now.

I wanted nothing more than to do it now.

If it wasn’t for the promise I’ve made to Tawny, who has seen me at my lowest, I would’ve.

Negativity was an old friend that still lingers.

A friend that I’m slowly starting to detach from.

Trying to focus on things that seem a little bit better than ever present gloom that lurks within my mind. Small, almost an insignificant speck that never seems to leave. 

It was annoying trying to ignore it on a day to day basis.

It was exhausting trying to smother it with mindless tasks that never seemed to work.