Chapter 5: Settling In
The soft clatter of grocery bags echoed from the kitchen as Michael began unpacking the items he’d just bought.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(murmuring to himself) Towels, check. Pet wipes, check.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
Chicken broth… yeah, that’ll do. Okay… where do I put the bed?
He eyed the empty corner near the fireplace. A cozy spot. Warm. Quiet.
Just right for a frightened little creature.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(moving the new pet bed) There. You’ll like this, won’t you?
His voice carried gently, not expecting a response but offering comfort anyway.
He brushed his hands on his jeans and turned toward the living room.
The sight made him pause mid-step.
Sunlight streamed through the window, forming golden puddles across the floor.
In the heart of it, the little fox was nestled, her fluffy body rising and falling with slow breaths.
Her tongue flicked out in short strokes as she cleaned her tail, pausing occasionally to rub her nose with both paws.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(quietly, smiling) You look like you’ve lived here for years.
The little fox didn’t glance up.
She was focused on smoothing her fur, but the warmth on her back and the scent of food lingering in the air made her tail flick lazily with contentment.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(walking over, jokingly) You know, once those bandages are off, I’m giving you a proper bath.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
You’re cute, but you still smell like burnt leaves and asphalt.
Her ears perked instantly. Her head shot up, golden eyes locking with his.
Izzy / FL Fox Form
(thinking) Bath? No. Not that again.
She shifted quickly, pawing at the floor as if to make a getaway.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(grinning) Oh no you don’t—
With a practiced swoop, he scooped her up before she could disappear behind the couch again.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(teasing) You heard me, huh?
Dr Michael Ren / ML
So you do understand what I’m saying.
Izzy wriggled once, then went still, letting out a soft grumble from her throat.
Not quite a growl, more like a grumpy sigh.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(laughing as he sat down) Alright, I’ll take that as a no to bath time. For now.
He leaned back on the couch, placing the little fox gently on his lap.
Her fur was warm against his shirt, and though her body still bore the weight of healing, she didn’t seem to mind being close anymore.
Izzy / FL Fox Form
(thinking) His hands… don’t hurt.
Izzy / FL Fox Form
They’re warm. Not like the ones that grabbed Kai…
She blinked slowly, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.
His heart was steady. His voice, calm. Not a threat.
Michael reached for his phone on the coffee table, pressing it to his ear.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(calmly to the phone) Hey, it’s Dr. Ren.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
Yeah, I’m going to skip tonight’s shift. Something’s come up at home.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
No, nothing serious. Just… needed.
He ended the call with a tired sigh.
The hospital would understand, he’d worked too many double shifts this month anyway.
One hand rested gently on fox’s back, fingers sinking into her thick fur.
Her tail twitched once in response.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(quietly) So… what do I even call you?
He reached for his laptop, opening the lid and clicking into a browser window. He typed slowly.
》"Unique fox names for pets."
A hundred suggestions popped up: Maple, Amber, Saffron, Cinnamon, Honey, Ember.
He scrolled, glancing down at the small creature curled in his lap.
Her fur was a warm chestnut brown, almost golden under the sun.
Her ears were alert, but relaxed.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(muttering) You’re not really a Cinnamon.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(trying names aloud) Luna? Too delicate. Blaze? Too aggressive.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
Hazel? Hmm.
The fox turned her head at that one.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(noticing) Hazel, huh? That one caught your attention?
She stared for a long second, then slowly turned away, curling tighter into herself.
Izzy / FL Fox Form
(sighing, thinking) Just give up already... you'll never find my precious name in there.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(amused) Not Hazel, then.
Then, just as he was about to give up and scroll for the hundredth time, a strange title caught his eye:
》“Names and Lore of Spiritual Foxes – Ancient Forest Guardians”
The page opened with elegant fonts and parchment-style background.
It detailed stories from different parts of the world, about mythical foxes who lived for centuries, could shift forms, and bonded with chosen humans.
Michael raised an eyebrow.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(amused) Spiritual foxes, huh? Well… why not.
He scrolled slowly, reading each name out loud one by one.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
Lyra… Selene… Ayra… Talia… Elara… Isolde…
Then, his eyes caught one near the bottom.
》“Izzy – Meaning ‘Bright Whisper’ or ‘Hidden Light.’ Said to belong to foxes with a pure heart, often connected to siblings or guardianship. When heard, a true Izzy will react—even in silence.”
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(softly, testing it out) Izzy.
A sharp twitch.
The little fox’s ears lifted.
Her eyes blinked wide.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(stunned voice) Wait… what?
Izzy stirred. Her tail flicked.
She looked up at him, golden eyes full of sudden clarity and shock... then joy.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(whispering, eyes locked with hers) Izzy? That’s you?
She gave the faintest chirp, like a breathy fox giggle, and pressed her head gently against his chest.
A chill ran down his spine, but not from fear. From awe.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(smiling) Izzy. It suits you.
He reached out, brushing her head lightly. Her eyes closed in contentment.
In the quiet living room, something ancient and beautiful had been reborn...
.. a name, a bond, a beginning.
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