The next morning, I wake up with the feeling of not having slept enough. The insistent knocks on my door eventually pull me out of my drowsiness.

Me: 'Just five more minutes,' I mutter to myself, but the knocks become more and more insistent, leaving me no choice but to get up.

I open one eye, my vision still blurred by sleep. Who on earth could be bothering me at this hour?

Me: "If it's Alastor, I'll teach him some manners," I grumble as I drag myself out of bed.

The heavy footsteps lead me to the door, where I open it in a state that could have scared anyone.

Me: "I swear, Alastor, if it's you..." I begin to say before being interrupted by Angel's familiar voice.

Angel: "Alastor?" he asks.

Me: "Oh... It's you, Angel," I reply, yawning widely. "Sorry, I thought it was Bambi.

Angel laughs before looking at me mischievously, as if he had guessed my thoughts.

Angel: "What happened with Al?" he asks, visibly curious.

Me: "Nothing interesting," I sigh, my eyelids heavy with sleep. "He's just a jerk and a brute."

Angel raises an eyebrow, seeming amused by my response.

Angel: "Is that so?" he retorts.

I simply nod, yawning again and rubbing my eyes to try to shake off the fatigue.

Angel: "Hey, are you okay? You keep yawning, and honestly... You look like a zombie this time..." he remarks, a teasing smile on his lips.

Me: "Yeah... Yeah," I mumble as I stretch. "It's nothing... I'm just not a morning person at all."

Angel chuckles softly.

Angel: "You need coffee," he concludes.

Me: "Yeah..." I mutter as I prepare to follow him, but he stops me with a hand gesture.

Angel: "I'll be 'nice' and not bother you today..." he announces with a mischievous smile.

I raise an eyebrow, perplexed.

Me: "Huh?"

Angel: "You're in your pajamas, kitten. You should get dressed and come down after..." he advises with a teasing smile.

I blush with embarrassment as I realize the state I'm in. I avoid his gaze, placing a hand on my neck awkwardly.

Me: "Uh... You're right. Thanks, Angel..." I stammer.

Angel: "This is the only time I'm warning you, okay?" he warns me with a smirk.

Me: "Okay," I reply, nodding timidly.

Angel waves goodbye before walking away, leaving me alone in front of my door.

I return to my room, rummaging through my wardrobe for an acceptable outfit. I eventually settle on a white dress with lace sleeves, which I pair with black flats and matching tights.

Once dressed, I take a deep breath before heading downstairs, finally feeling presentable... Well, almost.

I gather my long black hair into a tight ponytail. There, I'm ready. I make my way to the exit and, more importantly, to the lobby for a well-deserved coffee. Mornings have always been a struggle for me, and today is no exception.

At the bottom of the stairs near the lobby, I notice that Angel is nowhere to be found. I expected to see him at the bar, but he's gone. Oh well, I'll find him later. For now, I focus on my quest for caffeine.

I slump onto the first available stool, resting my head on the counter. It's heavy, too heavy to hold up.

Me: "Good morning, Husker."

Husker: "Hey, kid... You alright?"

Me: "Yeah... Yeah, I'm just not a morning person, that's all... Don't worry about it."

Husker: "Ah, I see..."

Me: "Hey Husker, could you make me a café au lait with two sugars, please?"

I give him my best smile.

Husker: "Yeah, if it's asked so nicely, I can't refuse."

I thank him, and he disappears to attend to my order. I rest my head back on the counter. Husker seems friendly, almost familiar... He reminds me of Nathan, my best friend... Suddenly, a familiar voice echoes in the lobby... Alastor... My heart tightens.

Alastor: "Good morning, my dear! Did you sleep well?"

Me: "Hmm..."

I don't want to talk to him... Not after what he did. I ignore him, hoping he gets the message.

Alastor: "Um... Are you okay, Melody?"

Husker places my cup between Alastor and me with a sharp sound.

Husker: "Here you go, kid!"

I startle, recognizing Husker's voice.

Me: "Oh, thank you, Husker."

I notice his surprise when I thank him. He must be taken aback... But why... After a moment, I compose myself, taking my cup in my trembling hands.

Alastor: "Good morning, my dear... Did you sleep well?"

His tone makes me tense. I refuse to show him my vulnerability.

Me: "I'm not deaf, Mr. Alastor..."

He grits his teeth, but I don't care. I turn my back to him.

Alastor: "Are you sulking, my dear?"

Me: "Yeah, but unlike you, I own it."

After gulping down my cup and hopping off the stool, I hear Husker suppressing a laugh while Alastor grumbles under his breath.

Alastor: "You're really annoying..."

Unfazed, I grab a lollipop and slip it into my mouth, then turn to Alastor with a mocking smile.

Me: "And you, you're really sensitive."

Husker bursts into laughter under Alastor's furious gaze, who clenches his cup so tightly that it eventually shatters in his hand.

An internal laugh shakes me. Have I gone too far? He seems incredibly sensitive... Alastor disappears into the stairs a few moments later.

I turn to Husker, still laughing, which infects me as well.

Husker: "You, you're not like the others."

He seems to calm down a bit... Why that remark? It's strange...

Me: "Of course, I'm like everyone else... I'm basic..."

Husker laughs heartily.

Husker: "Yeah, if you say so... So, kid, what are you going to do today?"

Me: "I don't know... Probably explore the hotel?"

Husker: "You want me to give you the guided tour?"

Me: "No, don't worry, I'll manage."

Husker: "As you wish, then..."

I wave to Husker and start, as planned, to explore the hotel. I wander through the corridors, inspecting every open room. The hotel is much less scary in daylight...

I try to navigate through the maze of corridors when I spot Nifty, dragging a huge bag of dirty laundry. It's three times her size, she'll never be able to carry it alone... I have to help her.

Me: "Hello, Nifty."

Nifty: "Hello, Miss Melody."

With a smile, I grab the bag she's struggling to lift and carry it carefully.

Nifty: "Uh... What are you doing, Miss Melody?"

Me: "I'm just helping you... Why?"

Nifty looks at me, perplexed, as if she's struggling to understand my intentions.

Nifty: "Uhhhhhhhh?"

Me: "Well, where should we take this bag?"

Nifty: "This way..."

We head towards the laundry room. Once inside, I put the bag on a table and start unloading it. Nifty stays at the entrance, watching my actions with some suspicion.

I quickly sort the laundry, separating it by color and fabric type, then load it into the machines. The actions are familiar, almost comforting.

As I focus on my tasks with the machines, I feel Nifty's insistent gaze on me. Her expression betrays surprise tinged with suspicion.

Nifty: "Why are you helping me? Are you looking for information on someone? What's your motive?"

Her voice carries a hint of suspicion, as if she's trying to decipher my intentions.

Me: "No, none of that... I just see someone in need and I'm intervening."

Nifty looks at me for a moment, assessing my response.

Nifty: "You don't expect anything in return, Melody?"

Me: "No, really. I'm just happy to be able to help."

Her gaze softens slightly, but some irritation still lingers.

Nifty: "Alright, then come with me, Melody."

Me: "Please, Nifty, call me Melody and just use 'you'."

Nifty: "Okay, Melody."

We exchange a slight smile before heading up to the roof... What a climb... me, who's passionate about sports, here I am, doing it... Wow... Once we reach the top, we hang the laundry on the stretched lines while exchanging a few words...

After finishing, I turn to Nifty.

Me: "So, what do we do now?"

Nifty: "We?"

Me: "Yeah, why not? I have nothing planned for today, might as well lend you a hand."

Nifty's eyes widen, a broad smile appearing on her face as she timidly hands me a list of tasks. I'm astounded by the extent of her responsibilities! ... Impossible! She has tasks for the whole day! And she handles all of this alone!

Luckily, I'm here to help her. I tear the list in half under Nifty's panicked gaze.

Nifty: "What are you doing?!"

I hand her a portion with a warm, gentle smile.

Me: "Here, you take care of this and I'll handle this."

Nifty: "Really? You're going to help me and do all of this?!"

Me: "Yes, Nifty. But just show me where to find the cleaning supplies... Otherwise, I won't be able to do anything..."

Nifty: "It's true... You're going to..."

Tears well up in her eyes... I... I didn't mean to make her cry... Stop, Nifty, don't cry. I kneel down to her level, gently stroking her hair and offering her a warm smile.

Me: "Yes, Nifty, I promise to do everything that's written on this paper."

Nifty: "Okay."

She tries to grab my hand with a smile, but I gently withdraw it.

Nifty: "Oh, sorry..."

Me: "It's okay, Nifty."

I continue to stroke her head with the same warm smile. Come on, don't cry anymore, Nifty... She gives a smile while wiping her eyes, then leads me to the maintenance room... Going down the stairs is much easier than going up. Nifty provides me with everything I need: brooms, mops, buckets, etc...

Me: "Alright, let's get to work!"

Nifty: "Yeah!"

I start working on my side: sweeping and cleaning the west wing, dusting the curtains and wallpaper, cleaning the windows... leaving Nifty to her tasks. The morning stretches slowly until I finally reach my last chore: watering the garden... Wait... There's a garden! My heart leaps with joy at this unexpected discovery.

I embark on a meticulous search, having neglected to spot this oasis of greenery during my previous explorations. This way? Or that way?

Finally, I find it! And what a discovery! Before me lies a covered garden, lush and bathed in light... Am I still in hell? It's a splendid sight before me.

I stroll along the paths, marveling at the flower beds, the majestic trees, the fragrant bushes... Every detail seems to have been carefully thought out. I grab the hose and start nourishing this oasis, humming to myself, feeling strangely at home... My gaze lands on a bed of roses. I crouch down to inhale their delicate fragrances. A smile of contentment spreads across my face. Even in hell, the beauty of nature persists, unchanged...

Suddenly, a voice pulls me out of my contemplation:

Alastor: "I didn't know you adored flowers, my dear."

I startle violently, almost dropping the hose... Good grief, Alastor! Once again, he's caught me off guard unexpectedly, and he seems amused by it! He extends his hand with a wide amused smile... Now that I'm on the ground, you want to help me, Bambi! In your dreams! I glare at him, cheeks puffed with irritation, and spray him with the hose gun.

Alastor: "MISS MELODY!"

Alastor then transforms into a demonic form, expressing contained anger, which only amuses me further. I stand up on my own, meeting his gaze, which radiates furious rage.

Me: "I did warn you to stop, didn't I? You're just getting what you deserve..."

I put away the hose with a disdainful air, leaving Alastor standing there, and exit the covered garden... Have I perhaps gone too far? Should I apologize this time? Maybe he didn't appreciate the water, after all...

As I pass by the kitchen, I notice Nifty's absence... It's strange, she should be here by this time, almost noon... Perhaps she's still busy with her chores or maybe she lost track of time. Well, I'll take matters into my own hands then. Grabbing the nearby red apron, I redo my ponytail and head to the fridge... What could I prepare for lunch? Hmmmmmm... After five minutes of deliberation, I settle on a French dish: Basque chicken.

I wash my hands, hygiene above all. Gathering the ingredients, I start cooking while humming... I gather all the necessary utensils, ingredients, and spices, getting accustomed to this kitchen... When I light the stove, crackling sounds are heard... Alastor?

Me: "What do you want, Mr. Alastor?"

Alastor: "What are you doing?"

Me: "Well, isn't it obvious? I'm preparing lunch. Since Nifty wasn't here, I thought I could do her a favor by taking over."

The crackling stops, replaced by chuckles... Is he mocking me?

Alastor: "Miss Melody..."

Me: "Yes, Mr. Alastor?"

I turn slowly towards him as he stands in the doorway.

Oh... My heart races. He's changed, and frankly, he's rather charming like this... Alastor wears a simple red shirt with a bow tie and black suspenders... He looks really elegant like that... Oh my, what's gotten into me... I slap my cheeks to snap out of it...

Bambi stops laughing and looks at me with a wide amused smile.

Alastor: "Miss Melody, it's me who prepares the meals in this hotel... not Miss Nifty. I was just going to the kitchen when I saw you heading towards the garden."

I feel embarrassed... It's my fault he couldn't cook on time... Wait... Alastor can cook!? He approaches me, encroaching into my personal space, and what are you doing, Bambi!

I swiftly turn back to the work surface. He stops and even steps back a few paces.

Me: "Well, I've started so I'll finish and..."

Alastor: "Do you want some help?"

Alastor interrupts me! Seriously? Again? This time, I'm not going to let it slide.

Me: "You know it's rude to interrupt others, Mr. Alastor."

I hear crackling and grumbling... Maybe I should stop being so sharp with him... I can see he's trying to get along with me. I'll bury the hatchet, but I'll still tease him from time to time...

Me: "If you want, you can help me..."

Alastor stops crackling, his eyes even showing a slight surprise at my words. He approaches me, taking his place next to me, but keeping a respectful distance.

Alastor: "What dish are you preparing?"

Me: "A French dish: Basque chicken."

I carefully place the chicken in the casserole dish, feeling his gaze on me.

Alastor: "I didn't know you knew how to cook, my dear."

Me: "And I didn't know you had this talent."

I start slicing the onions, browning them in butter, while the kitchen atmosphere fills with a sweet aroma of cooking.

Me: "There's a lot you don't know about me, Mr. Alastor."

Alastor: "Please... Melody."

A sigh escapes his lips, indicating a certain fondness in his tone.

Me: "Alright... Melody."

A shy smile emerges on his face, almost imperceptible behind his forced smile, but present.

Alastor: "So? You enjoy cooking and flowers?"

Me: "Yes... If you want to help, you can slice the vegetables."

Alastor: "Alright, my dear, but..."

Me: "But?"

Alastor: "Can you give me back my apron?"

Me: "Oh! Uh... Yes."

I take off the apron I'm wearing and hand it to him with a bit of embarrassment, observing his features attentively.

I resume my task, placing the chicken in the casserole dish, trying not to offend him with my clumsy movements. But I'm aware of his gaze on me, a reassuring presence in this bustling kitchen.

Alastor snaps his fingers and a charming black apron with a cat pattern appears on me, a detail that doesn't fail to make me smile.

Alastor: "It would be a shame for you to ruin your beautiful white dress."

Me: "Oh... Thank you, Alastor."

I give him a grateful smile, appreciating this thoughtful gesture. But like yesterday, he looks away, stepping back to carry out the task I had assigned to him earlier.

We work in silence, each focused on our tasks, almost forgetting each other's presence.

Me: "Well, there's still 40 minutes of cooking time left. What should we prepare as a side dish? Pasta... Potatoes? Fries?"

I notice from the corner of my eye that Alastor raises his finger slightly to intervene.

Me: "No, pasta... Pasta will be perfect."

I feel Alastor's doubtful gaze, which makes me timidly smile as I place my hand on my neck.

Me: "Sorry... I tend to think out loud, like before..."

Alastor: "It's nothing, my dear."

I feel even more embarrassed, lowering my head as I make my way to the pantry to grab the pasta... A palpable shame washes over me.

Suddenly, my foot hits a piece of furniture... I start to lose my balance, bracing myself for the impact, but I feel hands grabbing me, closing around my waist.

Alastor: "Are you alright?"

I open my eyes... Alastor caught me... I feel my cheeks blush again... No! This can't be happening... I quickly free myself from his arms.

Me: "Um... Yes... Yes, I'm fine, sorry, I'm just a bit clumsy... Well... Maybe a lot..."

A amused smile forms on Alastor's face.

Alastor: "Are you a little clumsy or a lot, my dear?"

I gather my thoughts, remembering what I needed to do... But... What was my plan again? Oh yes, the pasta... Alastor lowers his head... I owe him an answer...

Me: "My sister used to say I had two right hands and two left feet. I've lost count of how many dinner sets I've accidentally broken."

Alastor: "I'll have to be careful with mine then."

Me: "Yes, definitely..."

We share a knowing laugh... Maybe I had misjudged Alastor. But I can't help but feel my heart racing, a sensation I forbid myself to explore.

Me: "Alastor... Thank you for catching me despite our little mishap."

Alastor: "Oh... You're welcome, my dear."

A shy smile forms on my lips as I meet his gaze.

Alastor: "Miss Me..."

An involuntary groan escapes me... Miss!... But his gentle smile soothes my frustration.

Alastor: "Sorry, Mélodie. I just wanted to tell you that I..."

Nifty: "Mélodie!"

We both turn towards Nifty, who bursts into the kitchen, looking a bit flustered.

Me: "Yes, Nifty?"

Nifty: "Could you..."

She seems to shrink back a bit, as if she's afraid of something, or someone... I step between her and Alastor, sensing a strange tension in the air.

Me: "Nifty? What do you want to ask me?"

Nifty: "Can you come help me, I need to sew some curtains... But... But I can't do it alone... So can you..."

Me: "I'll be there, Nifty."

I turn to Alastor, and I'm surprised to see him back to normal, as if nothing happened. I give him a grateful smile before leaving with Nifty. I wonder what Alastor wanted to tell me... Maybe later. After helping Nifty, we join Husker and Angel in the dining room.

Angel: "Ah! There you are, my kitten. I've been looking for you everywhere this morning... Oh? Well, well, well? Nifty? Are you joining us for lunch today? Usually, you're too busy."

Nifty: "Yes! But it's thanks to Mélodie, I finished everything because she helped me... She's a good homemaker..."

I modestly smile, feeling a bit embarrassed by the compliments.

Husker: "And besides, Al told me she made lunch."

Angel: "No way?! Seriously! My kitten, you're a catch."

I feel my cheeks flush... Why is Angel saying that? I try to hide my embarrassment by slapping my cheeks to calm myself down. This nervous gesture has always helped me regain composure when my emotions threatened to overwhelm me...

Angel: "So, what deliciousness did you prepare for us?"

Me: "Um, well, I was torn between Carbonara pasta and Basque chicken."

Angel's eyes suddenly light up, eagerly awaiting my answer.

Me: "I went for the chicken."

A disappointed sigh escapes Angel...

Me: "What's wrong?"

Angel: "My kitten, I'm Italian, I dream of good Carbonara pasta, but Al refuses to make it."

I laugh and give him an affectionate flick on the forehead.

Me: "Next time I cook, Angie, promise."

A smile spreads across their lips as Alastor enters the room with the pot.

Alastor: "You can sit at the table."

We quickly obey, and Alastor snaps his fingers, causing our plates to be filled with lunch.

Me: "Charlie and Vaggie aren't here?"

Husker: "No, kid, they've gone somewhere..."

Me: "Oh, too bad... I would have liked to get to know them better... Maybe tomorrow..."

They take a bite of my dish, and after tasting it, their expressions instantly change to one of surprise.

Me: "Um... Is there a problem? Is it not good?"

Angel: "Are you kidding? It's amazing!"

His theatrical reaction makes me smile, although I feel a twinge of embarrassment rising within me.

Husker: "Angel!"

Nifty: "He's right! It's delicious, Miss Mélodie."

I slightly furrow my brows, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Me: "Nifty... Mélodie, please. And there's no need to flatter me like that, it's just Basque chicken, not five-star cuisine."

I feel my cheeks tingle, embarrassed by the attention.

Alastor: "My dear, credit where credit is due. It's delicious."

His compliment makes me blush and smile timidly... No, not because Bambi likes my dish.

Me: "Thank you. And yet, I couldn't make dessert."

I almost regret mentioning my culinary imperfections...

Nifty: "Oh, you can bake too?"

I nod nervously, hoping not to draw too much attention.

Angel: "Like I said, a woman to marry."

Angel's comment makes me smile, but I feel even more uneasy.

Husker laughs at my discomfort, as do Angel and Nifty, but Alastor hides behind a large newspaper... Why am I seeking his support? I sigh, feeling embarrassed.

Angel: "What else can you do?"

Me: "Oh, many things. I'm good with my hands despite my clumsiness... They used to tease me a lot about that paradox."

Alastor: "They?"

His interjection makes me lower my eyes, plunging me into sudden introspection... I wonder what happened to my friends, if they've overcome my death, if they feel guilty... Hopefully, they've continued our project... Are they happy despite everything? I miss them...

Angel: "Melo?"

A shiver runs down my spine as I get lost in my thoughts... Will they join me someday? Will they understand my actions? Will they accept?

Angel: "Mélodie!"

His voice abruptly snaps me out of my reverie. Everyone is looking at me now, even Alastor... Their concerned looks bring me back to reality. I compose myself, slap my cheeks, and offer a smile to dispel any tension.

Me: "Sorry, just some thoughts passing through my mind... It's nothing."

A heavy silence settles at the table... My social clumsiness has created a chill, and I regret it.

Angel: "You know what, this afternoon, my kitten, you're coming with me. We're going shopping."

I'm about to decline, but before I can respond, Nifty interrupts with an encouraging smile.

Nifty: "You should go, thanks to you, I finished my chores. I'll be able to relax this afternoon... It's been a while since I've done that. Thank you!"

I return her smile with gratitude.

Me: "You're welcome, Nifty... Alright, Angie."

Angel: "Awesome! I know a little boutique... You'll love it, they have gorgeous dresses and..."

Me: "Angel! Angel, I'd prefer to go to a fabric store for clothes."

Their curious looks stop on me, and I feel obliged to explain.

Nifty and Angel: "A fabric store!"

They exclaim together, intrigued by my suggestion. Husker seems indifferent, lost in his thoughts, while Alastor casually flips through his newspaper.

Nifty: "Why?"

I take a deep breath before answering.

Me: "I make my own clothes, it's more economical... Look, this dress, I made it 2 years ago and..."

Angel: "Wait, you make all your outfits!"

I nod timidly, feeling my cheeks flush under their astonished gaze.

Husker almost spills his drink in reaction to my surprising revelation.

Nifty: "Wow."

Husker: "Not bad, Kid, you're really good with your hands."

Angel: "Good! She's amazing, yes! Alright, I'll take you there, but on one condition... You make me an outfit."

Nifty: "Me too! Me too!"

I smile at their enthusiasm.

Me: "Deal, I'll make them for you... Husker, do you want one too?"

Husker shakes his head with a little laugh.

Husker: "No... No, Kid."

I take note of his request. But I can still make accessories for Husker... that's what I'll do...

Me: "Alastor?"

Alastor: "Why not, my dear. Do as you wish."

His attention remains captivated by his newspaper... There must be some interesting information there.

The table gradually empties, and I rise alongside Angel. Together, we head towards the exit, leaving behind the bustling conversation.

Alastor: "What time will you be back?"

Alastor's voice cuts through the atmosphere like lightning. The question resonates in my head, familiar but laden with unexpected heaviness. A shiver runs through me, memories resurface, painful and haunting.

Angel, beside me, tries to lighten the mood with his usual humor.

Angel: "Oh, my strawberry mac is worried about me..."

But Alastor, he's more serious, tucking away his newspaper with a firm gesture, his gaze fixed on Angel.

Alastor: "No, Angel! I'm just asking."

An echo from the past rings within me, a fleeting image of someone, sitting on the couch, relaxed yet with an insistent gaze... "Him," always "him." I shake my head, dispelling these oppressive thoughts.

Me: "What's it to you?!"

My own words surprise me, breaking the heavy silence of the room. Alastor stares at me, perplexed. A wave of regret washes over me, but it's too late to take it back. I feel uneasy, overwhelmed by my emotions.

Without waiting for a response, I turn on my heel and escape outside, the fresh air whipping against my face. Panic tightens my chest, but I force myself to breathe deeply, trying to calm the frantic beats of my heart.

Just as I'm about to think about apologizing to Alastor, Angel appears, holding out my cape and bonnet in a thoughtful gesture. I give him a grateful smile, appreciating his reassuring presence.

Angel: "A bad memory, huh? If you want to talk about it, I'm he..."

Me: "Thank you, Angel."

I cut him off, not wanting to delve back into those painful memories. He nods understandingly.

Angel: "Alright... Well, ready to go shopping, my kitten?"

Me: "Yeah, let's go!"

Quickly slipping into my things, I follow Angel through the bustling streets of Penta City. He explains the intricacies of this infernal territory, describing the alliances and rivalries that govern this chaotic society.

Arriving at the fabric store, I linger over each roll of fabric, savoring every texture and color. Despite the creepy gaze of the shopkeeper, I remain focused on my purchases, already imagining all the creations I could make.

A fleeting thought crosses my mind, one of Pearl. She would love to be here with me, sharing my passion for sewing. This thought evokes a pang of nostalgia in me, but I quickly push away that emotion, focusing on the present moment.

The day continues, punctuated by laughter and light conversations with Angel. I cherish every moment, temporarily forgetting my inner turmoil.