Two hours later, a light tapping on my door pulls me from the edge of sleep. Really? Can I never have a moment of peace? I rise reluctantly, hair disheveled and my necklace prominently displayed, and make my way to the door...

Angel: -I knew it! It's you who...

I quickly intercept him and pull him inside my room, making sure to close the door behind us.

Me: -Shhhhhh! Don't shout!

Angel: -It's you, isn't it?

I cover his mouth with my hand... I asked him not to shout, for heaven's sake.

Me: -Yes, it's me... But shh, keep that to yourself, okay! I just wanted to help you. I don't want anything in return... And please, don't be scared of me.

He gestures for me to remove my hand, making me realize I'm gripping him too tightly... I really need to control my strength.

Me: -Oh, sorry... Are you okay?

Angel: -Thank you so much.

The tension gradually dissipates in the room.

Me: -Huh?

Angel: -Thank you for letting go and saving me that day...

Me: -It was nothing, you were in danger... I just did what I had to do.

Angel: -You, my dear, you haven't been here long, have you?

Me: -About a week.

I reply with a shy smile, pulling a lollipop out of my pocket.

Me: -Do you want one?

Angel: -Oh~~ Yes~~

His enthusiasm is contagious. I chuckle softly as he catches the lollipop I toss to him, licking it with a mischievous expression... It melts me a little more.

Angel: -You know, saving people here, it's not really "normal".

Me: -For me, it's just what I do.

A slight smile spreads across his lips, filled with gentleness and warmth.

Angel: -Thank you, kitten...

Me: -I've already told you, it's nothing...

I give him a little flick on the forehead, as I often do. Angel touches his forehead, a bit surprised.

Angel: -You're so kind, my kitten... But what are you doing here?

Me: -Well, I guess I'm seeking redemption...

Angel: -Not in hell...

Me: -Oh... That's a secret.

I tease, sticking out my tongue at him. I almost feel like she's here with me: peaceful and amused. She always knew how to make me smile, even in the darkest moments... I miss her...

Angel chuckles softly, pulling me out of my nostalgia. We engage in light conversation about everything and nothing, even making up ridiculous nicknames for Alastor.

Angel: -Well... I'll leave you in peace, my kitten... Don't worry about Val, I won't say anything to anyone... It'll be our little secret.

Me: -You promise?

Angel: -I promise, my dear... Come on, you should rest a bit, you look exhausted... Good night, Mélo.

Me: -Good night, Angie.

Angel leaves my room with a smile, gently closing the door behind him. Now, what to do? I suppose I'll take my new friend's advice. So, I decide to take a shower, put on some comfy black sweatpants, and then head back to bed.