>>5976371>>5976481>>5976498You keep your distance, wary of appearing too familiar, too quickly. It's just a matter of providing shelter for the night to a child in need, you remind yourself. You know only her name—Luna—and that's enough. Attachment is a luxury you can't afford. Tomorrow, you'll take her to the police, and that will be the end of it.
Despite your resolve, concern gnaws at you. Luna seems worn down, her small frame sagging with fatigue, eyes shadowed with more than just the lack of sleep. "You hungry?" you find yourself asking, unable to ignore the signs of her distress.
"I am all right," Luna responds, her voice a faint whisper. Yet the audible growl from her stomach betrays her words. You let out a weary sigh, shaking your head as you stand up. "Let's see if I can find anything edible in the kitchen," you mutter, more to yourself than to her.
To your own surprise, you're soon busying yourself in the kitchen, the motions familiar and oddly comforting. You hadn't planned on this—cooking for someone else again felt like a chapter long closed. Yet here you are, heating up a pot, preparing a warm meal for Luna, attempting to offer some comfort in the quiet of the night, the clatter of utensils a gentle rhythm in the otherwise silent apartment.
As the scent of the meal begins to fill the small space, a simple dish yet hopefully comforting, you glance over at Luna. She's watching quietly, a hint of curiosity in her gaze that softens the edges of her wary expression. Somehow, in this small act, you find a semblance of the normalcy you lost years ago. It's just a meal, but it's also a sign that tonight, at least, she doesn't have to be alone with her secrets or her fears.
You set a plate down in front of her, the steam rising between you. "Eat up," you say, your tone gentle. "You'll need your strength." As she starts to eat, you retreat to the other end of the table, giving her space yet staying close, watching over her like you had once watched over Hoshiko.
>What do you do?>You subtly probe for details about her past, using gentle questions that allow her to share as much or as little as she's comfortable with.>You make a point to step away, giving Luna the room to breathe and the privacy she needs in an unfamiliar place.>You leave a night light on and the door slightly ajar, ensuring she feels secure without feeling watched.>Write in 