>>8272395A rushing wave of indistinct, nearly paralyzing fear hits you like a gunshot. Your body forces itself awake. Your eyes snap open, darting in panic. You gasp a desperate breath as your body involuntarily jerks up in bed, attempting to escape by any means. You scream, tears in your eyes, terrified of some unknown horror. Your body is covered in a sheen of cold sweat, your heart racing. You hear a close, familiar voice shout your name, trying to get through to you. A tiny hand rubs your back soothingly. You slowly realize where you are, that warm hand slipping around your cold shoulders, pulling you close against a diminutive figure. Kana is speaking to you, a worried tone in her voice. You tremble quietly as she hugs you tightly. “It’s okay, shhh, it’s okay..” she assures you delicately, “You’re safe, you’re safe.” She lays her head against your shoulder, clearly worried about you.
A nightmare. An intense, abstract nightmare, that’s what it was. You try to remember the details, but they flee from your mind as quickly as your memory touches them. You begin to calm down. It’s over. You feel a little embarrassed, vulnerable like this. Kana lets go of you, scooting back and sitting against the bed’s headboard, surrounded by fluffy pillows. “Here, come here,” she says, grasping your hand in her small fingers, bringing it towards her. You let her pull you into her arms. You lay your head against her petite chest as she cradles your head. She strokes your hair gently. You can hear her heartbeat in her chest, thumping away rhythmically, calming you. You take deep breaths, closing your eyes as she cares for you, focusing on that constant, warm heartbeat. “Tell me,” she whispers into your hair, quietly.
“I can’t remember,” you say. Her fluffy fox tail slips around you, warm and plush, the soft, luxurious fuzz protecting you. “I thought I lost you,” you continue, your voice cracking, so defenseless, not knowing how to put these unfocused thoughts into words. “It’s fine,” she pats your head, speaking so quietly, “I’m right here, dummy, I’m not going anywhere.” You nod into her chest, the soft fabric of her well-worn sweater tickling your face. “Trust me,” she sighs, so quiet that you almost miss it. You nod again. Comforted by her familiar, distinct scent, her gentle hands running through your hair, and the deep, somewhat rapid, pulsating timbre of her heart, you start to nod off.
“How about some breakfast!” she asks you suddenly, an enthusiastic lilt in her voice. You nod slowly. “Okay, I’ll make it,” you say, starting to get up. As you roll out of bed, she leans forward on all fours, reaching out with an arm, pulling you back as you separate from her. “No, stoopid,” she protests, “I mean, I’ll make it.”
You’re instantly taken aback, staring back at her, your mouth hanging open in surprise. “Really?” your eyebrows shoot up in disbelief. She punches you repeatedly, playfully, pouting. Her tail stands on end behind her, twitching and annoyed. This girl, this adorable brat. You laugh. “Okay, okay,” you give in. “Please, Kana, make me breakfast,” you grin as you sit back into the soft pillows. Kana leaps off the bed and makes to leave the room. She spins, her tail dancing, sticking her tongue out at you cheekily before exiting.
