Monica's Homecoming (2)

The room Monica had used at the Everett home had been repurposed as storage for about half its space, but the bed and desk were still there, and the room had been properly cleaned.

Monica moved Nero, whom she had been holding against her chest, onto the bed. Nero had not stirred once since arriving at the Everett home. Perhaps he really would sleep until spring came.

Monica was honestly surprised to find herself feeling lonely because she had no one to talk to.

When she had lived alone in a mountain cabin, she had never once felt lonely... but at some point, she had apparently grown completely accustomed to a life with Nero.

"I wonder if Nero would wake up if I made him nice and warm?"

Monica pulled the blanket over Nero and stroked his body through it, but he still showed no sign of waking.

Monica continued petting Nero for a while, but eventually she rose quietly, took out some paper and a pen, and sat down in front of the writing desk.

She wanted to write down and organize the recent events and questions that had been troubling her before going to bed.

(First, the things that actually happened...)

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