We stand before an imposing structure, an eclectic fusion of different types of buildings: a grand main building, a silhouette reminiscent of a ship perhaps, a shape suggesting an old radio station... Is this her hotel?

Charlie gestures for me to stay put, then swings open the door, calling out:

Charlie: We have a guest!

At her words, I hear murmurs of astonishment... Now that I think about it, this type of hotel must not draw in the crowds.

Charlie then motions for me to join her, attempting to touch my shoulder which I gently evade... Sorry again, Charlie, I don't like being touched.

Charlie: Allow me to introduce Melody... Our guest!

Several pairs of red eyes emerge from the darkness, and I feel a shiver of fear run through me... It's unnerving.

Me: Uh... Hello?

I say timidly, greeting the dimly lit room... This situation is really strange.

Suddenly, the lights flicker on, and I can finally make out the people populating the hotel lobby.

A woman with gray hair, sporting a cross next to her right eye, approaches quickly:

Stranger: Charlie! This is fantastic!

She embraces Charlie and kisses her before turning to me.

Vaggie: Hello Melody, I'm Vagatha... But everyone calls me Vaggie. I co-manage the hotel with Charlie.

Not just that, apparently... They're a couple, and I find that adorable

Me: Nice to meet you, Vaggie.

I say, offering her a warm smile.

Charlie bounces on the spot like a child; she's truly adorable, resembling a little hamster.

Charlie: You can hang your coat over there if you want... Make yourself at home.

Me: Thank you very much.

I take off my cape, revealing my black mid-length dress, black leggings, and black Converse sneakers... I think I dressed appropriately, especially upon seeing the person sitting by the fireplace... That person is completely dressed in red.

I glance briefly at them before our eyes meet... Oh no... Did they see me? Romane. Electricity seems to surge through my heart... I know this feeling, but I mustn't let it consume me. Charlie pulls me out of my thoughts.

Charlie: You can take off your hat if you want...

Me: I'd prefer to keep it on! If that's okay with you, Charlie...

Charlie: No problem... Come on, let me introduce you.

Charlie guides me to the bar to introduce me to the bartender: a giant-winged cat and... No! It's him! The demon I saved from that "Val"... Angel, I think... I hope my disguise works, and he doesn't recognize me.

Charlie: Let me introduce you to Husker, our bartender, and Angel... Our first customer.

Me: Hello, nice to meet you both.

Husker: Yeah... Hi, kid...

Angel: Hey there, gorgeous~

I give them a nervous smile; this situation is a bit awkward... But hey, I'm all alone here, I need to make new friends, without forgetting the ones I left behind.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts when Angel approaches me; I slightly step back... What's he doing? I'm not going to hit him, am I? I hate it when people invade my personal space.

Angel: Say, don't we already know each other? Your face looks familiar...

Oh shit, come up with something, Romane! He must not know, or he'll be scared of me! I look him up and down with a mischievous smile.

Me: No, I don't think so... I'd remember otherwise.

I tease.

Angel: Ah, you! I like you~

Charlie: Angel...

Husker: What a moron...

Angel: What, are you jealous, Husky... But I like you too~

Husker: SHUT UP, ANGEL!

I stifle a discreet laugh; this scene brings back so many pleasant memories. Angel and Husker bicker briefly before abruptly stopping when Husker sniffs the air. Hopefully, he doesn't smell my cat scent... Please, let that not be the case...

Suddenly, I sense a presence behind me.

Stranger: - Good day, my dear! I'm Alastor. Delighted to make your acquaintance and...

I jump abruptly. What a jerk!

Me: - Oh damn! You scared the hell out of me...

He's incredibly swift, this guy. I didn't even hear or feel him move behind me... I turn to face him, feeling that gentle sensation again. No, Romane, don't let yourself get caught... I compose myself and notice that my words no longer suit him as strange symbols begin to appear around him, and his voice, once normal, becomes choppy, crackling.

My gaze locks with his, causing my heart to beat slightly... I should probably apologize and move away from this man.

Me: Oh... Uh... Sorry...

He calms down, ceasing to crackle, and a soft smile appears on his face.

Alastor: Well, my dear, I'll continue... And delighted to welcome a new guest.

Me: Hello, Mr. Alastor. I'm Melody, pleased to meet you, but please, don't sneak up on me like that again.

Alastor: All right, but as for you, mind your language and refrain from interrupting others, Miss Melody.

Angel: Oh~ My strawberry mac, leave her alone, she's just arrived and you...

Tentacles emerge from the ground, grabbing Angel. Alastor approaches him angrily... Is Alastor controlling them? Interesting.

Alastor: My dear Angel, I've told you NOT TO ADDRESS ME THUS!

Charlie: Al! Let him go!

Vaggie: Yeah! Al! Let him be!

Alastor: I'm just giving him a lesson in manners.

This scene makes me chuckle. It's like "us", it's crazy. They all stop and stare at me as if I were an alien.

Me: (laughing) I'm sorry (laughing) Sorry, it's just that you guys are funny.

Alastor: I'm glad you find us amusing.

Alastor puts Angel back on the ground with a big smile... I blush inwardly... No... Come on, don't think about that, Romane. Angel heads up the grand staircase and disappears upstairs, cursing Alastor. He then turns to me...

Alastor: Say, Miss Melody, speaking of manners, hats are not allowed indoors.

Me: I prefer to keep it on, Mr. Alastor.

While I was talking to Alastor, Husker had approached me, sniffing the air.

Charlie: Husker, what are you doing?

Husker: Say, kid?

Me: Uh... Yes, Husker?

I say, turning my back to Alastor... Big mistake.

Husker: What are you hiding under that thing?

He says, pointing at my shabby black beanie.

Me: Nothing important, I...

I hear Alastor snap his fingers behind me, making my beanie disappear and revealing my long black hair and cat ears... No! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!

Husker: Ah, I knew it...

Charlie looks at me with shining eyes...

Alastor: That's better, and my dear, you have lovely hair, it's a shame to hide it under...

He says, attempting to touch my hair... A wave of fear washes over me... No! Don't touch!

I dodge to the side with a jump and a slight growl, moving away from him. Everyone present is stunned by my reaction.

Charlie: Melody? Are you okay?

Me: Don't touch... Please don't touch me.

The red Bambi displays a big smile that seems forced, everyone else looks a bit puzzled. I grab a lollipop from my pocket and pop it into my mouth.

Me: Sorry, I'm haptophobic.

They all sigh in confusion, except Alastor. Did he understand?

I lower my ears and say:

Me: I... I don't really like physical contact with others.

Together: Ah.

Charlie: That makes sense now...

They start to look at us, Alastor and me... Um... Why are they doing that? What's going on here?

Husker: Oh damn... another one... We already have one...

Huh? What? Already have one?

Charlie: Melody... Al is also ha... hap...

Alastor: Haptophobic, my dear.

Charlie: Yes, that's it... Don't worry, we'll be careful.

Me: Oh... Thank you so much...

I say with my warm smile.

Charlie: Well... It might be time to show you to your room, where you can put down your big bag... Nifty!

Nifty: Yes, Miss Charlie...

Charlie: Melody, this is Nifty, she takes care of the hotel, she'll take you to your room.

Me: Oh... Thank you, hello Nifty...

She's cute, this Nifty, she looks like a child.

Nifty: Hello, Miss Melody, come on, follow me.

She leads me into a large room with a balcony, a bathroom, and a toilet... It looks like a suite in a palace, but it's a budget palace.

Nifty leaves, letting me settle into this big bed. I feel so small in this bed, I quickly fall asleep, snuggled in the blankets.