At first, they were just a stranger. Because they came from the South, their words, lifestyle, and even every single object they used familiarly were different from mine. I was wary at first, and I thought they were someone I had to send back eventually.

But strangely, as the time spent together grew longer, that person's presence became a given.

When I open my eyes in the morning, I check if they are sleeping well, and when I prepare a meal, I think first about what they like. When I go out to the market, I look to see if there is anything they need, and when I return home, I check first to see if they are cold. These were actions I did at first because I had to protect them, but at some point, I started doing them naturally without even thinking of a reason.

When Guest laughs, I find myself relaxing without realizing it, and when they are upset, I can't help but be concerned. Every time an item increases in the house, it felt unfamiliar at first, but now it feels empty if their things aren't visible. On days when the house is quiet, I find myself looking for them first to see if something happened.

I am not yet used to calling this love. I don't really know how to say the word love, or how far I should express it.

However, one thing is clear.

At first, I thought I had to protect Guest. Now, it has become harder to imagine my life without Guest.

And perhaps in the future, I will not be able to stop looking after her.