nyctophilia | dreamwastaken

~𝙱𝙴𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙴~ cottage

As I stumble against the dirt path, I check how much battery I have. 30%. I sigh and stare up at the moon again for the 5th time in the past hour. I shove my hands back into my pockets and I peer my eyes as I see an old cottage, near a road. I start to walk towards, hoping that whoever is in there is kind enough to let me in.

The cold wind whips against my skin as I walk up the dusty path. The brick stones hold a metal gate, rust starting to form as I push against the gate. It swings open, a creak filling the silence. I continue on the path, overgrown bushes and flowers littering the path as it changes from dirt to stone. As I take a better look at the building, it's a tall brick house. The outside is brown, a tan sort of hue coming from the windows. 

The vines are growing up against the side, and the chimney is puffing out smoke. I watch as the porch light flickers on, revealing one small rocking chair with a cushion on it, a small glass table next to it with a flower pot, and a few other miscellaneous things.

I timidly climb up the creaking stairs, watching as the cottage huffs out another puff of smoke. God, I hope there isn't a weird hunter guy in his mid-50s who opens this door, I think. I hesitate and knock on the door gently. I try to calm my nerves by looking at the vines, which have small rosebuds starting to form.

I snap out of it when I hear the noises of a door opening and I watch as it fully opens. I almost let out a breath of relief when I see a woman, who looks to be 5'4 or 5'5 tall, with blonde hair, faintly hinting at some pink and blue eyes. She's wearing a white sweater with plaid beige overalls, and brown sneakers completing the outfit. 

She studies me and smiles softly. "Hello. How can I help you?" She asks in a whispery voice. It's also a bit soft and it makes me feel safe for some reason. "Hi ma'am, I'm so sorry to bother you, but I need a place to stay for the night. Is it okay if I stay here?" I ask, my voice slightly shaking. Please say yes. Please say yes. The lady pauses and thinks, shifting before opening the door wider. "Of course, come in." I can't help but let a small squeal out, spilling out my gratitude.

The lady only waves it off, shutting the door and gesturing to her living room. The cottage is a cozy house, the living room right next to the front door and the kitchen on the other side. There is a small staircase, which isn't too high up and leads to a hallway with 3 rooms. She leads me to the room closest to the beginning of the hallway and opens it up.

It's a small room, not too small though, but it has a bed and a dresser, a small closet on the side. I look around, taking in the sight. Finally, my eyes land on the small yet snug bay window. I let out a breath of gratefulness and I turn to look at her. She beckons to the door right across the hall with her hand. "That's the bathroom." She informs me and I nod. 

"What should I call you?" She asks me and I smile slightly. "y/n. What about you?" I respond and the lady smiles back. "Niki." I nod and she glances around for a moment before heading back to the bottom of the stairs.

I finally check the time, seeing that it's almost 10:00 pm. I must have been wandering for over an hour, I realize. I follow Niki down to the kitchen and she opens the fridge, which hums as she looks inside. "Is some soup okay?" She asks me and I gingerly take a seat on the small dining table. "Yes please," I answer and Niki nods before grabbing the bowl and heating it up in the microwave.

I take the opportunity to look around and drink in every detail. I notice that Niki is definitely in love with nature by the multiple hanging pots and plants. I hear a faint sound and I turn to my side to see a cat, with white fur and blue-like markings, stripes included. Its blue eyes look at me with curiosity and Niki walks towards the cat, kneeling down to pet it.

"This is Cinder. She's been with me for about 4 years." Niki explains and the cat gently licks the side of her face. "She's a Birman."(I honestly don't know her cat breed so if anyone knows, please tell me! I tried to pick a breed that looks like one of her cats) She continues and I pet her fur. I smile and Niki pats her once more before standing up.