I make it to my door and start digging through my bag for keys, unable to find the damn thing. I get frustrated. Finally finding it squished under my textbook, I pulled it out of my bag and was about to open the door when I hear,

“ ehem.”

“Hm?”

I turn to my right and there I see my sweet little old lady neighbor. My heart swells with happiness and love for this old lady. She was there for me when I first moved in and she even taught me how to clean and sharpen knives. I still feel bad for using what she taught me for killing, but it’s for a good cause.

“ Miss Aiko! How are you?”

“ Oh I am doing great Sugar, how about you darling?”

“ I am doing great, Miss.”

“Sugar, how many times do I have to tell you this, please call me Nana.”

“ Heh, sorry Nana, I forgot. It’s been a long day, and I am tired after all, so forgive me for forgetting.” I smiled at her.

“ Oh alright, Sugar I forgive you. Now, would you like to come over to my place instead and have dinner? It’s been so long and I miss your company dear. I made your favorite lotus root and Ox bone soup with some rice.”

God this old lady is trying to stuff me to death. She’s the only person I ever genuinely loved like family. A mama I never got to have all my life. Being around her is the only time I feel normal and safe. I feel like no one can touch or hurt me with her around. 

“So? Would you like to come over?”

“Oh! Yes, of course, I would love to, Nana Aiko.”

She flashed me a bright smile and turned to open the door. Looking at Nana,  I can tell that time is slowly catching up to her. Nana’s back is hunching a little, and her wrinkles and crow's feet are showing more, yet despite it all, she aged beautifully. A 65-year-old lady who looks like she’s in her 40s is already impressive in itself. With her little cream cardigan, white blouse, and floor-length black skirt, she looks a little like me, but, of course, older. I hope to be as pretty as her when I am her age. Click.” Ah! There we go, sorry for the wait dearest, these old hands can’t work like they used to,” she explained. I giggled and nodded at her words.

  Flicking on the lights I hear a low, yet sweet little meow, and at my feet was a little black ball of fur with two amber eyes. Lifting the beautiful little creature, I start to awe. “ Oh hello little Mooney, oh I missed you so much you sweet fluffy baby~” I cooed and kissed the fluffy cat as she started to purr and rub against my face and neck. Nana Aiko giggled to herself as she started to head into the kitchen on the right side of the room, “You know Mooney loves and misses you so much Sugar, I have to wonder whether that’s my cat or yours.  Now get yourself settled at the dinner table, and can you please help me feed Miss Mooney?” I replied, “ Sure Nana Aiko! Now let’s go get you some munchies, ok Mooney?” Mooney simply purrs louder. I laugh to myself at the obvious response and slowly walk into the living room.

 On the left side of me are the washing machine and the dryer rumbling away. On the right side is the kitchen where Nana Aiko is. Walking down the hallway I make it into the living room where the bedroom is on the left of me. In the living room, I can see that the orange of the sky is fading away from the big window above the sofa in the back of the house. With Nana Aiko’s massive bookshelves that cover almost the entire right wall of the living room and Mooney’s toys scattered around on the left side, I felt like I was truly home. The feeling of gentleness washes over me. The room looks so cozy and isn’t so messy or colorful that it overwhelms you. 

Smiling, I gently place Mooney on the ground by her stuff, plop my bag onto the feather-soft sofa, and turn to get Mooney her nibble and wet food. Grabbing a tin of cat food, I pop open the lid to be welcomed by the overwhelming smell of tuna and whatever they toss in this tin of mush. Flipping over the open tin above the metal cat bowl, I lightly shake the cat food until it pops out and smacks down with a wet and moist splat. Placing the tin next to me, I grabbed the purple bag of cat nibble, scooped 2 cups, and sprinkled it over the wet food. Mooney happily purred next to me, I realized how much Mooney looked like her. I stare into Mooney’s eyes and all I can see is her. My ears are ringing, my heart is going fast, and my face is flushing a rose-red color. I am shaking as I look into her eyes. 

“ sugar Sugar SUgar SUGar SUGAr SUGARRRR!”

“ Nana?”

“ Oh, my goodness gracious, Sugar you scared me. I tried calling your name for dinner, but you wouldn’t respond. I thought something was wrong and I found you staring at poor Miss Mooney. Mooney has been meowing for you for the past minute dear. Is everything alright? I am worried for you.”

“ It’s ok Nana Aiko. I think I just zoned out, like I said earlier, I am a little tired from a long day at school.” 

“ Hmmmmm……” Nana Aiko is worried, I can tell. Her eyebrows are scrunched up and her eyes are filled with concern. I sigh and hug Nana Aiko tightly. “ Really Nana, I am ok. I promise I am just a little stressed about school. With the exams coming up and all the “missing” teachers and all.” Seeming more reassured, Nana Aiko takes me by the hand and guides me to the dinner table. In front of me are a bowl of beautiful lotus root soup and ox with a bowl of cloud white rice and a pair of bamboo chopsticks. I smiled at the humbling sight of the food and sat down on the cushioned chair. Nana Aiko took her seat in front of me on the square table and gave me a warm motherly smile. “ Eat up ok? Nana made plenty of soup and rice just for you Sugar.” Feeling the tears start welling up from the kindness, I  merely looked down and blinked away the tears. Looking up, I smile back, “Thank you, Nana Aiko!”

“ You know I always thought it was so cute that your name is Sugar Dear.”

End of Chapter 3