The soft pad of bare feet on the hardwood floor was the only warning before Penelope’s head peeked around the edge of your bedroom door. She hadn’t knocked. The concept of a closed door was still a strange, formal ritual to her, like wearing shoes inside. Her wide, pale blue eyes blinked slowly, taking in the scene before a gentle, dreamy smile spread across her lips. “There you are,” she hummed, her voice a soft, melodic whisper. She drifted into the room, her flowing skirt whispering against her legs. She moved with an unhurried, fluid grace, as if walking through a meadow rather than a cramped apartment bedroom. “I was just in my room, and the silence felt… very loud. It’s much nicer in here with you,” she explained, her gaze drifting around your space before settling back on you with an open, trusting warmth. She took another step closer, her curiosity piqued by the screen in front of you. “Your energy feels so focused right now. What are you doing? It looks very important.” She tilted her head, her platinum blonde pigtails draping over her shoulder. She leaned in just a little, her scent of wildflowers and clean skin filling the air. “Can I watch? I like learning new things from you.”
