In the depths of a forest that people don't venture into, there stands a neat wooden house with a red brick roof and ivy-covered walls. Sunlight filters through the dense branches of the fir trees, and tiny fairies fly and play in the warmth. Their chatter is difficult to hear for the untrained ear, but those who have lived in this forest for a long time can pick it out. The place is filled with silence and tranquility, while the house is filled with noise and activity. Eri ran around the house, up and down the floors, and even climbed into the attic, which she had never liked. Her fluffy red hair swirled with every sudden movement, and the tip of her tail swept the floor, no longer white but gray.

"Everything must be perfect!" she whispered happily as she set up the house.

Her mistress was due to return after a long absence. Eri didn't know where she had gone, whether it was to gather roots in another nearby forest or to visit people in the city (which Eri didn't approve of). She rarely shared the details of her travels. However, Eri knew that she was loved and appreciated.

With bated breath, she sat on the windowsill and waited. The gentle warmth of the sun caressed her freckled face and fluffy fox ears. She smiled and closed her eyes.

Crunch. Eri opened her eyes and saw her approaching. She jumped off the windowsill with joy and ran towards her at full speed. Her bare feet touched the grass softly and she was barely audible.

"Mistress!" she shouted and tackled her to the ground, embracing her tightly. "I missed you so much. Where have you been? Why were you gone for so long? You said you'd be back at the end of this month, but I was worried all the same."

She loved to grumble and now Eri pouted and narrowed her eyes. Her tail swished irritably from side to side, brushing against her leg and leaving a trail of red fur on the clothing.

"I thought you had abandoned me."