SSS-Class Profession: The Path to Mastery

I opened the door quietly, letting it shut with a soft click behind me.

The apartment smelled like coffee and warm air, a thin beam of sunlight cutting across the floor from the half-open curtains, dust motes dancing lazily in the light.

For a moment, I just stood there, letting the quiet wrap around me, letting the tension in my shoulders ease.

I pulled off my coat, draping it over the back of the chair, sliding the band on my wrist so it wouldn’t catch. I undid the buttons on my shirt, slipping it off and tossing it into the laundry bin by the hall. The air against my skin was cool, clean, a reminder that I was here, that I was safe and that the job was done for now.

I pulled on a simple black shirt. Camille had gotten for me a while back and I should be checking out my wardrobe more often these days since she isn’t slowing down anytime soon. I put it on, letting it fall into place before stepping out of the entryway and into the living room.

It was around noon now.

The sun was high, the warmth spilling through the window, touching the couch where I dropped down with a soft grunt, letting out a slow breath as the cushions settled around me.

I let my head fall back, closing my eyes for just a moment.

Letting the quiet hold me.

I didn’t know how long I sat there before I pushed myself up, rolling my neck, the bones popping softly as I stood.

I made my way down the hall, the floor cool beneath my feet, pausing just outside the master bedroom where we all sleep.