Heavy Is the Head That Wears the Crown

Fight Like Cat and Dog

Mei was awoken by what seemed like the second coming of Christ, and, for a second, heard 7 trumpets being played- before she realized it was just the curtains drawn, and until she realized she wasn't even a Christian.

Grunting, she sluggishly sat up, tossing her blanket to the side, then tried to steady herself upon standing up too quickly.

She squinted her eyes to try to discern her fuzzy surroundings, stumbling on her own feet on her way to close the curtains.

She went back to her side of the room to lay in her futon, groggily gazing upon the unfamiliar ceiling, though was quickly caught off guard by the snoring to her left.

Turning her head to the source of the noise, her eyes landed on her roommate, looking as though she had only managed to fall asleep a couple seconds ago- but was instantly knocked out in a deep sleep.

Contrary to how she herself slept last night. If anything, she didn't have to deal with any sleep disturbances and couldn't recall whether or not she had a bad dream.

Maybe what she needed was an escape from that accursed mansion, the one decorated with shattered remains of her parents- ones that serve as constant reminders of her father's absence especially, and ones that counter her false sense of hope.

Or maybe she found that the previous events that happened the night before got under her skin much more, bearing in mind how acquainted she is with her usual state of numbness in that manor.

It will definitely take her some time to get used to living with a faux family.

She glanced at the alarm clock above Yuzu's futon.

8:05am

She sprung up to fold her futon. Afterwards placed her folded blanket and pillow on top of it.

Opening up her box of belongings, she picked out a relatively modest outfit, the theme of most of her clothes- this one consisted of a teal striped shirt and a conservative, navy blue skirt, along with a diamond shaped, mute colored necklace.

Drawing the curtains once more, the blinding ray of sunlight hit her fatigued eyes, though this time they managed to adjust to the light.

She padded her way to the door and out of the bedroom aimlessly, feeling restless as she was not quite sure where she was headed, unfamiliar with the route and routine of this new home.

Mei slightly flinched upon hearing a voice lively greet her from the kitchen:
"Mei-chan! You're awake, good morning~"

"Ah- good morning.. Ume-san." she shyly  greeted back in a hushed voice. Ume lightheartedly chortled.

"We're family now, Mei. Please call me mom."

Mei gave a succinct nod in response, keeping her head bowed. "Would you like some breakfast?" she smiled warmly.

"You don't have to go through the trouble.." Mei tried to interject.
"Oh but I insist!" Ume reassured happily.

She paused shortly. "..some tea would be enough, thank you."

Mei was seated right across the kitchen island, a full plate of breakfast in front of her, prepared by her generous ersatz mother, albeit only asking for some tea.

The only sound in the kitchen was Ume's humming for awhile before she spoke up, breaking the still silence.
"How are you adjusting to your new home, Mei?"