In the Shower

Satsuki stood motionless in the shower. She was leaning slightly forward, using one of her arms to support her. Her head hung low as hot water rained down on her.

What is happening to me? She anxiously thought to herself. Ever since yesterday she’s been acting different. It was almost like she was a different person. Yesterday morning, I wouldn’t have thought of doing what I just did, let alone do it without a thought.

“Maybe I’m overreacting,” she said out loud. Maybe it was just because she was sharing a bed with Kazuma. Yeah, that could be it. She thought, trying to dissuade her fear. It’s not like I am turning into my mother.

Satsuki finished her shower and dried off. Once she was dressed, she headed down stairs to start breakfast. As she pasted her room, she heard Ariawyn’s voice from behind the door, but she could not make out what she was saying.

Satsuki passed through the living room to get to the kitchen. On the couch, there was a short, bearded man, who appeared to be asleep. Besides his height and his ginger beard, he looked like an ordinary person. I guess he’s part of Ariawyn’s group, Satsuki thought as she continued on to the kitchen.

There was no one in the kitchen, so Satsuki started getting breakfast ready. As she was getting the rice cooker set up, she heard some quiet foot steps approaching. Looking up, Satsuki saw her mother walking into the kitchen.

“Good morning,” Yuzuha said cheerfully as she entered the kitchen.

“Morning mom,” Satsuki replied in her normal tone.

“So how was Kazuma last night?” Yuzuha asked smiling.

“It was great. He came about three or four times!” Satsuki answered before she realized what she said.

WHAT AM I SAYING?! Her mind screamed as her horror became clear on her face. At the same time, her mother smiled warmly. “That’s great!” she said praising her daughter’s achievement, until she noticed the expression on her face.

“Are you alright, Satsuki?” she asked, concerned for her daughter.

“I’m fine,” { gf_first_name} quickly said to avoid the topic.

Yuzuha knew immediately what that meant.

“I just wanted to make sure,” Yuzuha began. “I was thinking that your transformation last night might have caused some sudden changes.”

Sudden changes?! Satsuki yelled internally. Before she could ask about them, she saw Ariawyn enter the kitchen. She almost jumped because she didn’t hear her coming. “We’ll need to have a quick breakfast, because our ride should be here in less than an hour.”

As she finished, the short man sleeping in the living room let out a loud snore and then turned over. “My apologizes about him,” Ariawyn said. “He’s exhausted from keeping the barrier up all night.”

“It’s fine,” Yuzuha replied. “I would have offered him a better place to rest, but we only have two beds.”

Ariawyn thanked her for her consideration, then sat down at the kitchen table. As they worked on finishing breakfast, Satsuki thought about what her mom said about changes and if they were what she was afraid they would be.