A few days later,

I find myself in quite a mess, to say the least! I just wanted to stay under the radar, but here I am, having incurred the wrath of an Overlord. Now, I'm in the crosshairs of the 3V. To survive, I have to lay low and blend in. I've opted for black hair dye and square black glasses that make me look like a failed film noir character. It grates on my nerves, but it's better than ending up in the clutches of the 3V. Fortunately, I managed to keep my necklace, a precious link to my past that I conceal under my clothes.

I hide as much as possible, burying my cat ears and tail under a long dress and an old worn-out hat. After spending nights in gloomy and sketchy motels, I decide to get some fresh air in the city today. Maybe I'll finally find a quiet spot to settle down, far from prying eyes and lurking threats.

Despite my determination not to fear the 3V, the fearful looks from people haunt me. I don't want to be a source of terror for anyone here.

Lost in my thoughts, I bump into someone handing out flyers, sending thousands of papers flying at my feet.

Me: "Oh no! I'm sorry! I was lost in my thoughts."

The stranger: "It's nothing..."

Me: "Did I hurt you?"

She smiles at me and reassures me that everything is fine. I set down my bag and help her pick up the flyers. She seems surprised by my gesture, quickly grabbing as many papers as possible before hurrying off. Her strange behavior leaves me perplexed.

Fortunately, I managed to catch one in my hand. It's a flyer for the Happy Hotel... A place to find redemption... A wave of euphoria washes over me. This is exactly what I've been looking for; this place is meant for me.

I grab my bag and start running to catch up with the woman with blonde hair, a rather rare color around here.

Me: "Hey! You! Wait up!"

She finally turns around, giving me a strange look.

Me: "Do you know where this is?"

I hand her the flyer with some apprehension, but when her eyes light up and a wide smile spreads across her face, a wave of relief washes over me. She even starts jumping for joy.

Stranger: "Is this true? It's not a joke? You really want to go?"

Me: "Uh... yes... then no... and finally yes."

Her exuberance is contagious. I'm relieved to see that she's enthusiastic about the idea.

Stranger: "THAT'S GREAT! I'M CHARLIE! I'm the manager of the hotel."

She extends her hand to greet me, but I hesitate. Sorry, Charlie, I'm not very comfortable with physical contact, especially right now.

Embarrassed, Charlie brushes her hair back, retracting her hand.

Charlie: "And you?"

I don't want to give her my real name; I don't trust her yet, and I don't know if I'm recognized here. If so, it's another story... I was very, very, VERY well-known in my past life.

Me: "Uh... me?"

I think... Harmony. Are you stupid or are you doing this on purpose? Your official pseudonym, Harmony, is more well-known. But... Mé... Melody...

Me: "I'm Melody... I... My name's Melody, nice to meet you, Charlie."

Charlie: "Nice to meet you too, Melody... So... Do you still want to come to my hotel?"

Me: "Yes, I still want to come to your hotel, Charlie."

I reply with my legendary smile. Charlie seems delighted; she's so adorable. She starts walking, motioning for me to follow.

As we walk and talk, she explains to me what her hotel is all about. Besides being charming, she's really kind. She reminds me a lot of my best friend... Kate... I miss you.