I'm overwhelmed by a wave of shyness as I slip into the dress I painstakingly crafted last night. Carefully, I add shiny black ballet flats and white leggings, trying to complete my outfit as best I can.

With trembling fingers, I braid my hair into a delicate crown, letting it cascade over my shoulders. A touch of light makeup enhances my face, revealing a side of me I had almost forgotten.

My eyes fall on the bedside table where Alastor's rose rests. A sudden idea crosses my mind. With a shy smile, I delicately pick it up and tuck it into my hair, just behind one of my cat ears. It blends perfectly with my hairstyle, adding a touch of charm and mystery.

I stand before the mirror, gathering my courage to face the day. I lightly pat my cheeks, dispelling the shyness that holds me captive. It's time to shine.

I descend to the hall with a more confident stride, ready to face the day ahead. But to my surprise, Alastor is nowhere to be found, and Husker seems in a somber mood. A slight pang of sadness washes over me, but as soon as my eyes meet Husker's, who is desperately trying to work a zipper with his mouth instead of his hand, a mischievous smile forms on my lips. Hold back your laughter, Romane, I tell myself, suppressing a burst of laughter. The day promises to be full of surprises.

Me: "Wait a moment, Husker, I'll help you."

With a delicate gesture, I grasp the zipper pull, guiding it slowly to avoid snagging his fur.

Me: "There you go, all set."

Husker: "Thank you, Melody."

A shiver of surprise runs through me at hearing my name. It's the first time he's called me that since I arrived. Usually, it's always "kid" or "young one". My heart warms unexpectedly at this gesture of attention.

Me: "What did you do to get Bambi to do that?"

Husker: "Al."

He grumbles disapprovingly. A small laugh escapes me, quickly stifled.

Me: "What could you possibly have said to Bambi?"

He bursts into laughter, his shoulders shaking with his chuckles.

Husker: "Bambi! I love that nickname... I teased him a bit too much... By the way, the fluffy one was better."

A mischievous smile dances on my lips.

Me: "Careful, Husker, I might zip it up."

A burst of laughter overtakes us as we share this playful moment, dispelling the tension of the moment.

Husker: "I take back what I said, that outfit suits you better."

Me: "Thank you, Husker."

His compliment touches me more than I would have imagined. It's as if a glimmer of approval shines in his eyes, and it fills me with comforting warmth.

Husker: "Did you make it yourself?"

I nod timidly, feeling pride swell within me despite my modesty.

Husker: "You're really talented, kid!"

His admiration makes me blush slightly, but I also feel a smile spread across my face. Knowing that my work is appreciated by someone like Husker gives me confidence in my abilities.

Nifty: "Hello Melody! Hello Husker!"

Her entrance momentarily interrupts our exchange, but her radiant face immediately brightens the room.

Husker: "Hey Nifty."

Me: "Hello Nifty... Thank you so much for everything... It's kind."

Nifty: "Uh, you know that was a thank you, so no need to..."

I offer her a grateful smile before gently stroking her hair.

Me: "Thank you, Nifty."

Her gaze softens, and a spark of gratitude shines in her eyes.

Nifty: "Wowww! Your dress is so beautiful..."

Her enthusiasm is infectious, but when I see a tear trickle down her cheek, my heart clenches with emotion.

Me: "Oh, yes! Good thing you mentioned it, I almost forgot... Here, look..."

I hand her my notepad where I've sketched the dress I envisioned for her. A fleeting tear slips down her cheek, and I feel my heart tighten with emotion. Why is she crying? It's just a dress after all...

Nifty: "It's beautiful... Is it for me?"

Me: "Yes, Nifty... Do you like it?"

Nifty: "Yes... Yes, I love it."

Me: "Good, I'll need to take your measurements once we're done with chores."

A broad smile lights up Nifty's face, and she seems on the verge of hugging me. However, I stop her by gently placing my finger on her forehead.

Nifty: "Oh... Yes... Right, sorry..."

Me: "It's okay, Nifty."

I give her a reassuring smile, and she hands back my notepad which I retrieve before tossing it to Husker, who catches it just in time.

Me: "Page 5."

Husker opens the notepad to the indicated page, a gentle smile spreading across his face.

Husker: "I told you that..."

Me: "Yes, but I made one for everyone, so it wouldn't be fair if you were the only one..."

I give him a mischievous smile before tousling Nifty's hair, causing her to burst into laughter.

Me: "Do you like it, Husker?"

Husker: - Yes, Melody... Al was right.

And there... It's the second time Husker's called me Melody... Wait, how does Al know that? What did Bambi tell him?

Me: "What?"

Husker: "Nothing, kid."

He gives me a big smile, his mouth still shaped like a zipper... Hmm, weird. Let's move on for now. I put the notepad away in my pocket and turn to Nifty.

Me: "Alright, let's go, Nifty."

Nifty: "Yes, let's... See you later, Husker."

Me: "See you later, Husker."

Husker: "See you later, girls."

After spending the morning doing chores with Nifty, I linger on my concerns about Angel. His absence disturbs me, especially after our conversation yesterday. Despite knocking on his door several times, there's been no sign of life. Growing unease settles in. Is he avoiding me?

But I push those thoughts aside for now and focus on finding Alastor. He might be in the kitchen, preparing lunch. With a sigh, I head in that direction, hoping to find him there.

After a brief search, I find Bambi in a heated argument with Charlie and Vaggie... What's going on?

Charlie: "Let's go, Al, please!"

Alastor: "My dear Charlotte, Angel's actions are not my concern. If he's getting into trouble, it's neither my problem nor yours."

Vaggie: "I told you so, Charlie."

Charlie: "Come on, Al..."

Alastor: "No, my dear! Not the moment... "

Me: "Good morning, Charlie, good morning, Vaggie. Hello again, Alastor."

Charlie: "Oh! Good morning, Melody."

Vaggie: "Hey, Mel."

Alastor: "Uh... (coughs) Hello again, my dear..."

Vaggie and Charlie turn to me, Alastor scrutinizes me from head to toe before turning away. Their expressions reveal a certain concern. What's going on? And why is Alastor avoiding eye contact with me? Doesn't he like my outfit?

Me: "What's going on?"

Charlie: "Angel didn't come back last night. We asked Al to go get him, but..."

Vaggie: "This idiot refuses."

We all turn to him... Am I dreaming or did Bambi take the opportunity to disappear during our discussion? What an idiot!

Charlie: - Mel... Haven't you seen him?"

Me: "We spent the afternoon together, then he said he wanted to go to the club."

Vaggie: "Oh no, damn it."

Vaggie's words and Charlie's worried look stir up guilt in me. What if Angel's in danger because of me? What if this mysterious "Val" I saved Angel from is now going after him in retaliation for our encounter?

I feel urgency rise within me. I have to act, but first, I need to calm the girls down. Their worry weighs on me, and I hate seeing them like this.

Me: "Don't worry, girls, he'll come back."

Charlie: "I hope so, Mel."

Me: "I promise you, and you know I always keep my promises."

A faint smile appears on their faces, but worry persists in their eyes. They remain determined to convince Bambi to find Angel.

Once alone, I hurry into my room. Urgency drives me to act quickly. I don my battle outfit, letting the golden brown wig enhance the brightness of my ears. The dagger I bought yesterday joins my belt, a tangible reminder of the need to prepare for any eventuality.

In my haste, I pack away my morning outfit in my bag, planning to change back after any potential confrontation. I remove my ugly black square glasses, take paper and a pencil, then rush down the stairs. Luckily, the lobby is deserted, even Husker isn't there... Now's the opportune moment. I grab my capeline and jot down a quick note: "I've gone to find Angel, I'll be back soon, promise. Signed, Melody." I leave the note prominently displayed, then slip out quietly towards the spot where I first met Angel