The Fox, Red

054 - Coming Home

I slept better last night than I have in the past few weeks. The thought of home helped me relax. I haven't been home in months. It felt like summer came and went in a flash. At the end of summer, I was shipped away to Madam Odette's and now with winter here, I'm going to go home again. I miss my parents.

Homesickness is hard to fight but again, the comfort of being able to go home is wonderful. During the holidays nonetheless! I've been enjoying the cooking here but nothing can compare to Mom's homemade cooking. These are all the thoughts that bring me peace as I fall asleep.

Morning comes with darkness. It's getting so late in the season that when I'm up, the sun is not yet. I have to rely on my alarm clock. The light song my phone plays stirs me. I slap the snooze once so I can kind of wake myself up softly. My eyes close only to be woken up by my alarm again seconds later. Well, it felt like seconds. It was a full 10 minutes of unconsciousness.

I have to fight my body to get up. Shaking off the sleep is always the hardest part of my day. Today, it's a little bit easier. I'm ready to go home. I spent a good portion of last night getting the small bag I came with together. I got clothes, a good coat, and at Madam Odette's order for our family's formal Thanksgiving dinner, my Armani suit.

The bag goes over my shoulder but the suit stays in my paw at all times to prevent any creases or folding. The cold air hits my face reminding me of the weather. The wind has died down. Now it's just brisk. I can almost feel my nose freeze.

I trek up to the house where I'm ushered inside and through to the front door. Madam Odette is already up and waiting for me. She's not even dressed for the day. Her doctor is next to her with a very unapproving look as well. She must be doing something he advised her not to do. She grabs the collar of my coat and fixes it up. Her paws cradle my chin as she looks me in the eyes, "Remember, you may be away from me, but you still represent my name so act accordingly. Lady Odette, mind your P's and Q's and don't let me down. I know you'll be running into people who do and don't like me and they will tell me about you."

"Yes, Madam Odette."

She pats my shoulders, sending me out the door. "Danny, drive safe. You're carrying precious cargo." He nods with a slight bow, "Yes, Madam Odette. I will drive as though you are with me." Danny steps out leading the way. He takes the suit from me as he opens the door. Once I am inside he steps in hanging up the suit to a hook on the inside of the vehicle. He ensures the hook is clicked in place so the suit will not go anywhere. "Ready, Sir Red?"

"Ready Danny. I am in your care."

I hear the wheels start to roll off the driveway onto the street. I look back watching as the light from the house fades away as the front doors close. There is a shadow watching as we move. I can tell from the silhouette that is none other than the lady of the house, Madam Odette. Something in my stomach changes once the door closes. Things immediately changed. I'm out in the world on my own for a while. I have my freedom back to a degree. I am still a student of Lady Odette and I will still have to respect her as such.

It's a few hours before we are through the nearby town of Ammay. It's still one of those places where if you blink, you'll miss it. This coat is getting to be a bit too much. Danny knows what the temperature of the back of the car is supposed to be. My coat will sit next to me on this ride.

Something white catches my eye. In the inside pocket, there is something I didn't notice before. "What's this?" I mutter to myself reaching in. A simple envelope. No writing, no distinguishing marks, just a plain, notecard-size envelope. I flip it over seeing it's been sealed by someone.

My claw tears through the top opening it up. Something hits my nose before I can even get to its contents. A scent that brings me some relaxation. I pull a folded piece of paper out. Danny has his eyes locked on the road paying me no mind and my actions.