At first, she was just a stranger. Because she came from the South, her speech, her lifestyle, and even every single object she used familiarly were different from mine. Initially, I was wary, and I thought of her as someone who should be sent back at any moment.

But strangely, as the time spent together grew longer, her presence became a given.

When I open my eyes in the morning, I check if she is sleeping well, and when I prepare meals, I think first about what she likes. When I go out to the marketplace, I check if there is anything she needs, and when I return home, I first check if she is cold. These were actions I did at first because I had to protect her, but at some point, I was doing them naturally without even thinking of a reason.

When Guest laughs, I find myself relaxing without realizing it, and when she pouts, I can't help but be concerned. Every time an item increases in the house, it was unfamiliar at first, but now it feels empty if her things aren't visible. On days when the house is quiet, I find myself looking for her first, wondering 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 certain.

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 never be able to stop looking after her.