The morning after Flora's nightmare was calm, but the echoes of fear and vulnerability still lingered in her mind. The nightmare had been unsettling, and even though she had found comfort in Musa's embrace, a part of her still felt emotionally raw. The simple act of being held by her friend had soothed her, but the need for reassurance hadn't quite gone away. Today, Flora wasn't sure what she needed—she just knew she wanted to feel safe. The idea of being an adult, taking responsibility, or even thinking about the day ahead seemed like too much. She just wanted to go back to that safe, comforting space where she could forget about everything for a while. A space where her fears could be put on hold, and she didn't have to be strong.As she walked through the halls of Alfea, the overwhelming feelings from last night started to resurface. She tried to push them away, but they wouldn't go. Flora paused in the hallway, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She needed her friends today more than ever, especially Musa. When she reached Musa's room, Flora didn't hesitate. She knocked softly and then opened the door without waiting for a response. Musa looked up from where she was sitting at her desk, a gentle smile spreading across her face when she saw Flora standing there."Hey, Flora," Musa said, her voice light and warm. "What's up?"Flora hesitated, her eyes flicking to the ground for a moment, before looking back at Musa with a soft, almost shy expression. "I... I don't know. I just feel... small today," Flora admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Musa immediately softened, setting down the book she had been reading and standing up. "It's okay," she said gently. "You don't have to be anything you don't want to be today. If you need some time to rest or feel safe, I'm here for you."Flora felt her heart flutter with relief, and she walked over to the bed, sinking into the soft blankets. She had spent so much time trying to hold herself together, trying to be the strong one, but today she didn't want to be strong. She just wanted to be held, to feel small, and to have her fears melted away by the comfort of her friends."I just don't want to be alone," Flora murmured, her voice quiet. "I feel... scared."Musa sat beside her on the bed, pulling Flora into a gentle embrace. Flora relaxed instantly in her arms, and she could feel the tension in her body ease as she curled closer to her friend. There was something about the way Musa held her that made Flora feel safe—something simple, something pure. Flora let her head rest against Musa's shoulder, and the familiar sense of comfort washed over her. She didn't have to pretend to be okay. She didn't have to be the strong, responsible Flora that everyone knew. Here, in this moment, she was allowed to feel small, to feel vulnerable. Musa could sense the shift in Flora's energy—there was something different about her today. The way she clung to Musa was more than just seeking comfort. It was like she was stepping into a space where she didn't have to be anything other than herself. "You're safe here," Musa whispered, her voice soft. "Whatever you need, I'm here."Flora's breath hitched slightly. She closed her eyes and nodded, her grip tightening around Musa's arm. "Can you... stay with me for a while?" she asked in a small voice. "I don't want to be by myself."Musa's heart softened at the request. "Of course," she said, her words a gentle promise. "I'm not going anywhere."Flora felt her heart flutter in gratitude, and without realizing it, she allowed herself to fully slip into her "little space" mentally. She began to behave in ways that were more childlike, seeking even more comfort and reassurance than usual. The overwhelming need to feel safe and cared for became all-consuming, and the walls she had spent so long building began to crumble.Her voice became softer, her words more dependent. "Musa... can you make me some warm milk? Like you used to when I was little?" Flora asked, her voice trembling slightly as if she were speaking to a parent instead of a friend. Musa smiled warmly, her heart swelling with affection for Flora. "I'd be happy to," she said, standing up to fetch the milk. "Do you want me to bring you some cookies, too?"Flora nodded eagerly, her face lighting up with a soft, innocent joy. "Yes, please! That would be nice," she said, her voice quiet and soft as if she were a child asking for a treat. Musa's smile deepened as she went to the kitchen, preparing the warm milk and cookies. She knew that Flora's request wasn't about the food itself, but about the comfort of being cared for in a way that allowed her to let go of the heavy emotions she had been carrying.When Musa returned with the milk and cookies, she sat back down beside Flora, who had curled up into a little ball under the blankets. Flora looked up at her with wide eyes, the innocence of her expression reminding Musa of a little girl asking for her favorite treat.Musa placed the cup of milk and cookies on the bedside table. "Here you go, Flora," she said, handing her the warm mug. "Let me know if you need anything else."Flora took the cup in both hands, cradling it against her chest like a cherished possession. She sipped it slowly, feeling the warmth spread through her body. Everything felt peaceful for the first time in a long while, and the fear and sadness that had clouded her mind seemed to dissipate with each sip."Thank you," Flora whispered, her voice small and soft. "I feel better with you here."Musa smiled, brushing a lock of hair away from Flora's face. "I'm always here for you, Flora. Whenever you need me."The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon together, with Flora remaining in her little space, finding comfort and security in Musa's presence. Flora felt free to let go of any expectations, any responsibilities, and simply be. Her need for care and reassurance had taken over, and in that moment, Musa didn't question it. She knew Flora was simply finding her way to process her emotions, to heal in her own way.As the day turned to evening, Flora felt her energy wane. The warmth and care she had received from Musa had filled her up, and she could feel herself beginning to relax. She no longer felt overwhelmed, and she could let her guard down."Musa?" Flora whispered, looking up at her with tired eyes."Yes?" Musa replied, her voice soft and comforting."Can I sleep here tonight? I don't want to be alone," Flora asked, her voice filled with vulnerability. She looked at Musa with an expression of quiet need, her hands clutching the blanket around her.Musa's heart melted at the request. "Of course, Flora. You can stay as long as you need."Flora smiled softly, feeling a sense of peace settle in her chest. She curled up beside Musa, snuggling into her arms as the quiet of the evening wrapped around them. For once, Flora didn't have to be strong. She didn't have to be anything other than herself. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Flora felt truly safe.---
