Sunlight streamed through Odette's window, landing squarely on her face, pulling her from the depths of a disoriented sleep. She squinted, groaning as she threw a hand over her eyes, shielding herself from the unwelcome brightness. The cool, airy calm of the room felt like a stark contrast to her warm, dream-laden state, leaving her exposed and mildly irritated.
She sat up slowly, her vibrant red hair falling around her shoulders in disarray. Reaching up, she ran a hand through the strands and winced as her fingers caught on knots. "Shit... I forgot to put on my scarf," she mumbled, giving her head a gentle, self-chiding slap. Her normally sleek hair was now a wild halo of frizz and rebellious curls, poking out in every direction.
Yawning, she stretched her arms and glanced around her room. The soft tatami mats beneath her feet and the quiet simplicity of the space reminded her just how far she was from home. Her phone buzzed softly on the side table, pulling her attention. She checked the time, realizing with a pang of guilt that she'd slept in.
Slipping out of bed, she padded to the small kitchen area, where a note from her grandmother awaited her on the counter:
Good morning, Odette. I've gone to register you for school and pick up your uniform. I'll also be getting some groceries. Spend some time getting to know the shrine and the city—you'll need it. Remember to meditate and keep a clear mind. I'll see you later.
Odette smiled, feeling a surge of warmth at her grandmother's familiar, no-nonsense handwriting. She texted her parents and a few friends back in Florida, letting them know she'd arrived safely, then set the phone aside, preparing herself for the day. After a quick breakfast, she showered, taking extra time to tame her frizzy hair back to its signature, silky red.
She dressed in a black cropped hoodie paired with stretchy, graphic joggers that hugged her form comfortably. The joggers featured striking red accents, matching the vivid tone of her hair and giving her look a sharp edge. Her fluffy knee-high boots completed the outfit.
She brushed on her makeup with precision, focusing on her bold brows and voluminous lashes, a bright highlight under her eyes to give her a lifted, radiant look. A nude gloss brought out the natural fullness of her lips, and with a final glance in the mirror, she nodded approvingly. This was her—a mix of glamour and grit, bold and unapologetic.
Her stomach growled softly, reminding her she hadn't eaten much for breakfast. With the city stretching out just beyond the shrine, she decided to take her grandmother's advice and explore a bit.
