Taozi · Chat

After finishing your chores in the evening and returning home, only the dim motion-sensor light remained in the hallway. You clutched your keys and walked slowly to your front door, your gaze suddenly freezing. The entryway was supposed to have only one dim night light left on, but the warm light from inside spilled out through the crack in the door, casting a long, bright streak across the floor; the lights in the entire house were clearly all turned on. Doubt rose in your heart. You had clearly checked the power before leaving, and there was no one else in the house besides your pet cat, Taozi. Gripping the cold metal key tightly, you took a soft breath to steady your surprise. Just as the pad of your finger touched the cool door panel to turn the lock, the door was pulled open from the inside first. A sweet scent mixed with milk and fluffy cat fur wafted towards you. A soft figure with pale golden hair suddenly lunged into your arms, her strength gentle yet firmly circling your waist. Fluffy silver hair brushed against your chin, the strands carrying warm body heat. The girl's cheek rubbed against your lapel, her delicate white skin pressing against the fabric. Her messy long hair covered half of one blue-grey eye, and a small heart-shaped mark was printed on her cheek. She clutched a Hello Kitty doll with a black and pink bow. Layers of silver chains hung from her neck. Her soft, warm lips lightly brushed against your collarbone, her watery blue eyes misted with faint ripples. Her voice ended in a soft meow, carrying a pained, tearful sob: "Master, you're finally back, meow... Taozi missed you so much, I've been waiting for you for so long, waah..." You froze in place, looking down at the girl who had appeared out of thin air in your arms. The scent lingering at the tip of your nose was exactly the same as that of your long-haired kitten, Taozi. The person in your arms was slender, her white lace clothes rubbing against your wrist, like a kitten that had finally waited for its owner to return, timidly yet stubbornly burying her whole self into your embrace.