Erika's Residence
As Mei approaches the residence, a voice halts her progress "stop there" she pivots to face the security guard. He inquires, "Who are you, and what brings you to this estate?" Mei elucidates "I'm Mei my aunt must have notified you of my imminent arrival. May I have your permission let to enter?" he nods "wait here let me corroborate with Madam Erika" After a brief interval, he returns "you may proceed. My apologies for the temporary inconvenience" Mei reassures him "Your diligence is commendable merely adhering to protocol" He offers " Allow me to assist you with your luggage" she appreciates " thanks" As they proceed, Mei notices him casting furtive glances her way. She asks " is anything amiss" He points out "Madam you are bleeding" she wonders if the bleeding is that obvious she decides to downplay her injury " it is just a mere injury i will seek medical attention forthwith" he nods "very well ma'am"
Upon reaching the threshold, Mei hesitates, uncertain if she should intrude upon her cousin and aunts life. However, desperation impels her forward. she presses the doorbell the door opens revealing aunt Natsu and her elder cousin Erika she enters the house her aunt's gentle voice welcomes her like a warm fireplace her aunt replies "dear Mei you are here" her eyes brim with concern. She summons someone, and a stout woman appears. Natsu instructs her "convey her luggage upstairs and prepare a room for her" Mei feels an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her a sentiment she hasn't experienced in what feels like an eternity. She finally feels safe Erika asks "sis how are you doing?" Natsu casts a withering glance at Erika, her countenance flashing with irritation "Must you pose such insane questions? You were present during our conversation with her mother you are aware of the precarious situation. So, why inquire about her well-being when you already know she is distressed?" Erika replies softly "sorry mom" Natsu is a stern woman her resolute demeanor is a testament to the challenges she's faced as a single mother Mei intervenes " aunt no need to raise your voice" Natsu acquiesces "ok dear as you wish" Erika observes " mom, notice her arm it's bleeding profusely" Natsu's expression turns indignant " I will sue that man I promise. Erika, fetch the first aid box promptly!" Erika hurries off. Natsu instructs Mei, "Remove your shirt" Mei looks surprised, "Aunt…" Natsu reiterates firmly, "you heard me girls of this generation are overly modest. Do I resemble a male figure to you? Remove it and cease acting flustered" Mei complies, removing her shirt. Natsu remarks impatiently "Erika what's causing the delay? Is there an inaugural ceremony for retrieving the first aid box Erika calls out from the other room "Coming mom" she finally arrives Natsu tends to Mei's wound " Erika advises " this arm requires immediate medical attention" Natsu concurs " I agree your father is a beast. he caused all this I don't know how a person will be hell bent on ruining another person's life if I were in Yumi's position he would face legal punishment for trashing my daughter in front of me he should be incarcerated" Erika insists " mom please she needs treatment. Remember the doctor's warning? He said neglecting this wound could lead to terminal consequences. But her dad refused treatment. We asked the doctor for alternatives he explained the arm suffers from hemorrhage, causing daily bleeding. The only temporary solutions are daily treatment and avoiding stress. But her job is extremely stressful." Mei explains " dad didn't allow treatment he restricted everything. He wants me to suffer. But I'm managing somehow" she forces a smile Natsu finishes dressing the wound and helps Mei put her shirt back on she asks "dear how do you do it" Mei looks puzzled " do what aunt" Natsu clarifies "you've endured repeated torture, yet you still smile" Mei smiles faintly " I don't let emotions overwhelm me. I believe those were my fractured past and this is my new beginning. Forgetting the past is my desire. I'm free from the cycle of abuse and rejection." Natsu assures her "Young and smart don't worry we will figure this out together. You are not alone in this" Mei feels a glimmer of hope perhaps she can heal and rebuild her life. The storm outside rages on, but inside, she feels a sense of calmness and belonging as she looks her aunt Natsu and Erika she's finally found a refuge where she can heal and discover herself. The journey ahead may be long and arduous but with her Aunt Natsu and Erika by her side she feels a sense of determination Erika suggests "sis go freshen up and have dinner. I will guide you to your room" Natsu adds "go freshen up come on" Mei stands up, and Erika escorts her to a room "This is your room from now on. I will be sleeping here with you tonight "Mei nods assuredly "hmm" Erika teases "Hey, you still do that stop doing that! You have always being that since childhood." Mei admits "sorry, I guess am used to it" Erika says "so I will keep you company we have a lot to gist about" Mei raises an eyebrow "you mean gossip about?" Erika laughs "you know me to well!" Mei chuckles "so, who broke your heart this time? Or maybe who is the new guy?" Erika playfully rolls her eyes "girl seriously" Mei smiles mischievously "That's what you mostly gossip about. Let me guess it kelvin first, followed by Mike, Leo, hiroyuki, joey whose it going to be this time?" Erika defends herself "they were only my friends, ok stop taunting me and go freshen up!" Mei grabs some clothes and heads to the bathroom. After freshening up, she exits the bathroom, only for Erika to shout" hey wait!" Mei freezes, unsure why her cousin is stopping her midway "what happened?" Erika replies. "Don't tell me you are wearing that to sleep!" Mei retorts playfully, " Hurray, the fashion police caught me. Is there anything wrong with my outfit" Erika teases " you are the fashion expert here, not me. But why don't you wear nightgowns you have this tomboyish habit I thought you had changed, but old habits die hard" Mei protests "tomboy seriously" Erika affirms "you heard me loud and clear" Erika produces a night gown "here take this it will look more classy and sophisticated on you" Mei asks" is it really necessary to wear a night gown? Why you always do this?" Erika urges " Be quick. "She pushes Mei into the bathroom, forcing her to wear the nightgown. Mei emerges from the bathroom. Erika compliments her in Japanese "Kawaii desu ne![you look cute!] " Mei replies in Japanese "kore de aruite ikarenai,jiyū ga nai [I can't walk in this I am not free!] Erika retorts in Japanese "nigeru no ni tsukatte inai, neru no ni tsukatte imasu [you aren't using it to run you are using it to sleep!] Mei accuses" you are so mischievous" Erika instructs "go have dinner" Mei agrees "ok" she escorts Mei downstairs where Natsu awaits "what took you guys so long?" Erika blames Mei "someone had a wardrobe malfunction" Mei defends herself " do I look like someone who has ever gone through a wardrobe malfunction and someone here was also trying to behave like a fashion police you know you caused it from the start" Erika counters "weren't you the one behaving like an angel few minutes ago? I knew you would never quit that blunt behaviour" Natsu intervenes "you two and fights, Mei sit" Mei obeys. Erika mentions " I heard the company you work for received an award because you are the lead fashion designer" Mei confirms with a hint of a smile "hmm" Erika teases "stop it" Mei admits "like i said I am used to it. Yes my boss Masato Miraki and my colleagues are friendly everything runs smoothly in the office. It just my happy place" Natsu recalls" you know the cloth you designed for me?" Mei nods "yes" Natsu continues "my friends loved it. You are talented not to brag, but my niece is one of Asia's most reputed fashion designers." Erika adds "seriously talented! I heard you got a contract from Hiroshi ito's company" Mei reveals "yes that was a big opportunity but I rejected it" Natsu asks curiously" Why did you reject such a lucrative offer!" Mei explains "it was my choice not to accept the offer" Her subconscious hits her hard she had just lied. Erika reassures "there are other chances bigger and better ones" Mei hopes "yes I hope so" After finishing dinner, Erika suggests "let's go" Natsu cautions "don't stay up late." Erika teases "Mom, we aren't teens anymore stop treating us like babies." Natsu reminds "even though you guys will be leaving for work tomorrow right?" Mei confirms " yes" Erika drags her upstairs into the room " Finally, we can have some girl talks" Mei agrees " ok let's go on with it" Erika thinks aloud " umm… let me think of what to talk abou.t" Mei suggests "While you think I will lay down and close my eyes" Erika accuses" Hey that's cheating you are using tricky ways to sleep!" Mei explains "Erika I am tired and stressed. I just want to sleep. Please, maybe we can do this some other time and I really need to rest I have a lot of work tomorrow my schedule is tight." Erik relents" ok you need some rest" Mei sets an alarm before drifting off to sleep.