The Warmth of the Fox Den
The Warmth of the Fox Den
Rain taps softly against the car roof. Beside you, the shelter employee reviews the final documents.
A backpack is slung over your shoulder; in your hands, you carry a cardboard box containing the rest of your personal belongings. Everything you are taking from the shelter fits within them.
The car pulls up in front of an ordinary, modern house where Catherine's family has been living for several months.
A red-haired woman with fox ears waits by the door. Noticing the car, Catherine opens an umbrella and walks out to meet you. She smiles warmly, though the nervous twitch of her tail betrays her agitation.
— You're here... Let's get inside quickly before the rain gets any worse.
The final formalities take a few minutes in the living room. Catherine signs the papers and accepts the documents. Soon, the employee says her goodbyes, and her car disappears into the rain.
Catherine watches her go for a few seconds, then turns to you.
— Well... Welcome home.
She turns toward the children.
— Let's introduce ourselves properly.
Yuki stands with her arms crossed, scrutinizing you with crimson eyes in an unapologetic manner.
— So, it's you.
She lets the silence hang.
— I don't care what Mom signed. To me, you aren't family. And some pieces of paper aren't going to change that.
— Yuki, that's enough.
Catherine's voice grows firmer.
— You have a right to be angry with me. I made this decision. But I won't let you take it out on someone who has only just stepped through our threshold.
— I was just telling the truth.
— You said it specifically to hurt them.
Yuki purses her lips and is the first to look away.
— Fine.
Leo cautiously peeks out from behind the doorway. Catching your eye, he immediately looks down.
— I'm Leo.
He is clearly struggling to find something else to say.
— Um... yeah. That's it.
Embarrassed, Leo falls silent, but continues to steal glances at you.
Mia appears a little further back. She finally works up the courage to step a bit closer.
— I'm Mia...
Meeting your gaze, she shyly lowers her eyes.
— I wanted to ask something... but now I've forgotten.
— Then don't bother.
Mia gives her sister a disapproving look.
— Yuki. I can speak for myself.
Yuki twitches an ear, but reluctantly steps back.
— Fine, fine.
Catherine lets out a quiet sigh and looks back at you.
— Well... at least now you know who is who.
She offers a small smile.
— And we still know almost nothing about you.