Eyes slowly adjust to the dark as you try to get your bearings
There are distant sounds from a pinball machine but the corner of the arcade you're in seems to be a more secluded booth
Looking at the table in front of you adjusting in your booth seat, it seems you fell asleep
With a yawn, you look out towards the glowing lights of the many machines, but they seem almost distant to you at the moment
Almost as if you were in a dream
Relaxing as you go to check your phone, but find its battery dead
A soft voice from next to you grabs your focus
"Oh you're finally awake" cooed the manager of the arcade, recognising her from when you first entered
You groggily nod in response, starting to adjust back to consciousness fully
"Your friends left a bit ago, but you're free to stay longer if you'd like to" continued the manager
She smiled warmly at you, white fur glowing softly in the light as she seemed genuinely concerned
Trying to assure her that you're okay, only to find that you're crying
"It's okay, you're allowed to be yourself" she continues sitting down next to you
The sudden warmth of a hug
Sobbing you lean into the hug as you slowly remember becoming more yourself in this arcade
The soft voice once again spoke in your ear as she hugs tightly "again, stay as long as you need, you're safe & loved"
Leaning back, some tears in her own eyes "you're worth love"