[10]

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After the bath, the room felt quieter, as though the warm water had softened more than just the grime on my skin. My body was clean now, but the smooth, unfamiliar texture of the clothes I wore unsettled me. Esme had left them for me, neatly folded on a small bench near the door. I hadn't recognised the fabric when I first touched it; it was soft but not rough like the clothes I was used to. It was strange, too clean, and the way it clung to me felt wrong like it wasn't mine.

The shirt was loose but lighter than expected, and the pants were snug but soft. I shifted uncomfortably, tugging at the hem of the shirt as I stared at my reflection in the faintly fogged mirror. I barely recognised myself. My skin was clearer now, free of mud and dirt, and my hair, still damp and clinging to my face, looked shinier than I could ever remember. I didn't know if I liked it. It felt like looking at a stranger.

Esme had knocked gently on the door a few minutes ago, her voice soft. "Take your time. There's no rush," she'd said, leaving me to fumble my way through drying off and dressing.

Now, standing in the quiet of the bathroom, I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to leave. I wanted to check on my rabbit, but stepping out of this room dressed like this felt exposing. Vulnerable.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door carefully, the cool air of the hallway brushing against my face. Esme was waiting just outside, her expression calm and welcoming as her golden eyes swept over me. Her smile was soft like she didn't want to startle me.

"You look lovely," she said warmly, her voice as gentle as the fabric I wore. "Do they fit alright?"

I nodded stiffly, tugging at the hem of the shirt again. "Weird," I mumbled, the word tumbling out before I could stop it.

Her smile widened slightly. "I imagine they do feel strange. But you'll get used to them."

I wasn't sure if I wanted to get used to them. They weren't mine, weren't familiar, and the way they clung to me made my skin itch. But I didn't say that. Instead, I glanced toward the end of the hall, where Carlisle's office was.

"Rabbit," I said softly, the word barely audible.

Esme nodded, stepping aside to let me pass. "Carlisle's still with it," she said reassuringly. "He's been keeping it warm and checking on it."

I didn't wait for her to say anything else. My feet carried me quickly down the hall, the soft material of the pants brushing against my legs as I moved. The warmth from the bath lingered on my skin, but my focus was already on the office door, on the tiny creature waiting inside.

When I stepped into the room, my heart eased slightly at the sight of the rabbit. It was still lying on Carlisle's desk, tucked under the same warm towel. Its small body rose and fell steadily, its breathing stronger now. The faint smell of hay and water filled the air, and I saw that the rabbit had eaten more of the food Carlisle had set out.

Carlisle glanced up as I entered, his golden eyes meeting mine with that same calm expression. "You're back," he said softly, as though he'd known I would come straight here.

I nodded, stepping closer to the desk. My hands hovered over the rabbit, unsure if I should touch it, but the sight of it alive, warmer, and breathing steadier made my chest feel lighter.

"It's doing better," Carlisle said, his voice steady. "You've done well to care for it."

I didn't respond, my fingers brushing lightly over the towel. The rabbit stirred slightly under my touch, its small body shifting just enough to let out a faint twitch of its nose. I exhaled a breath I hadn't realised I was holding, relief washing over me.

"You're warm now, too," Carlisle added gently, his eyes flicking briefly to the clothes I wore. "That will help."

I nodded again, my focus still on the rabbit. The unfamiliar clothes, the strangeness of the house, even the lingering discomfort of being here all of it faded slightly in the face of the fragile, warm creature before me. For now, it was enough.

30th november 2024
please vote and I hope you have enjoyed xxx

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