The morning went by quietly. Maribel, dressed in her neat uniform, grabbed her bag, checked her planner, and headed to the door.

MARIBEL
—Remember, I get off work at five. Don’t make a mess by the time I’m back.

MISTY
(lying on the couch, one sock on and the other in hand)
—Mess? Me? I’m just going to work. Don’t ask where.

MARIBEL
(skeptically looking at her)
—I just want this place to look the same when I come back.
(she leaves, closing the door behind her)

Misty sighed with a grin and finally put on the other sock. She had something to take care of, and two whole hours of freedom before Maribel got back. A luxury she fully intended to enjoy.

The day dragged on for Maribel. She had to coordinate a school field trip—over thirty elementary kids, three buses, and zero patience left.

The sun was nearly setting when she finally reached the apartment. The moment she grabbed the door handle, she sensed something was wrong: melted cheese, tomato sauce… and wet dirt. She frowned.

MARIBEL
(quietly, exhausted)
—You’ve got to be kidding me…

She stepped inside and confirmed her worst suspicion—open pizza boxes on the table, the TV blaring, and Misty casually lounging, legs crossed, eating a slice.

MISTY
—Hey. Just in time. Want one with pineapple? Or mushrooms? There's variety, sis.

Maribel didn’t reply. She left her bag on a chair, took off her beret, and silently headed to the kitchen for a glass of water.

And then, the worst happened.

The front door burst open. A guy with long, filthy hair, soaked muddy boots, and the look of someone who had wrestled five stray dogs, walked in with a package in his arms. Mud splattered from the entrance all the way to the living room with every clumsy step.

GUY
—Got your order!

Maribel froze. Misty stood up calmly, still chewing her pizza.

MISTY
—Ah, right… Hasui, wasn’t it? I thought you'd take longer.

MARIBEL
(on the verge of exploding)
—Who is this? Why is he stepping on my carpet with... IS THAT MUD!?

HASUI
(stops, confused at seeing both girls)
—Oh. There’s two...? I thought there’d only be one...

MISTY
—Nah, it’s fine. This guy says he met me once and would do anything, so I asked him to bring a gift... for you.

MARIBEL
—A gift? A muddy stranger in my house with a mystery package is your idea of a gift?

HASUI
(awkward, looking at both of them)
—I thought there was only one of you. Now I’m not sure...

MARIBEL
(direct, furious, eyes sharp as knives)
—Out. Both of you.

Misty gave a nervous smile and stood up slowly, still holding her pizza. Hasui instinctively backed away, setting the package down on the floor.

They both ended up in the hallway, just outside the door that Maribel slammed shut with a bang that echoed through the entire building.

Still dirty and confused, Hasui broke the silence with a quiet, almost timid voice.

HASUI
—So... what are your names again?

Misty finished the last bite of her pizza before answering.

MISTY
—I’m Misty. The one who nearly killed you in there? That’s Maribel. So... where exactly do you think you know me from?

HASUI
—There was a fight. At a dojo, years ago. Just a friendly match. You beat me with a spinning kick... I’d never forget someone like that. Very pale skin, red eyes, shiny black hair... like you.

Misty stood still for a moment. Then laughed.

MISTY
—I’ve never fought in a dojo.

HASUI
—Really? But she looked just like you.

MISTY
—I used to fight in... other places. But that’s another story.

The door opened again. Maribel stepped out with a deep frown, not even glancing at Hasui.

MARIBEL
—You’re both cleaning this up right now. Or Misty’s finding somewhere else to live.

MISTY
—Got it. Understood.

Hasui turned to leave, but Maribel’s voice hit him again, sharp as a slap.

MARIBEL
—You too. I don’t know who you are or what you're doing here, but this isn’t a place to drag in filth.

Hasui lowered his head like a soldier obeying orders.

HASUI
—Yes, ma’am. Sorry.

Later, after scrubbing mud, drying the floor, washing the rug and sweeping what had dried, Misty dropped the cleaning rag, exhausted and a bit irritated.

MISTY
—You’ve actually fought before, Maribel?

Maribel didn’t answer right away. She drank a glass of water, not looking at her, then spoke.

MARIBEL
—I practiced Taekwondo, casually. I had a teacher, long ago. I was good... but I got bored of it.

HASUI
(from across the dining area)
—Did you ever fight a guy who looked like me? Pale skin, blue eyes...?

Maribel thought for a second. Then waved her hand dismissively.

MARIBEL
—Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t remember. And I don’t care.

Hasui said nothing, watching her in silence. Misty raised an eyebrow, then Maribel headed straight to her room, too tired for anything else.

Misty and Hasui were left alone in silence. Hasui eventually said goodbye and left.

Misty glanced down at the package he brought and opened it. Inside was a small stuffed rabbit. She placed it on the couch, hoping Maribel would notice it in the morning.