Her Fragrance

Gaijin plunged his fork into the second helping he was savoring, his mouth bursting with a medley of flavors. He paused, suddenly aware that she knew his name. "How do you know my name?" he inquired, his words muffled by a mouthful of food. She shot him an irritated glance. "Please, don’t speak with your mouth full; I find it quite off-putting," she replied, her gaze sharp and piercing.

He hastily swallowed his food and, with a hint of trepidation in his voice, repeated, "I’m sorry, but how do you know my name?" She dropped the intimidating facade, her demeanor shifting to one of cheerfulness. "I’m Maple. My goddess has been watching over you, and I’m here to enhance your life."

Noticing a smudge on his cheek, she moved to the kitchen, retrieved a napkin, and gently wiped his face. She stood mere inches from him, and he caught a whiff of her fragrance; it was reminiscent of autumn leaves and pinecones.