Interlude 5 — No Symptoms.md

*Morning,* Kai murmurs, and you realize from the warmth in his voice that he's been awake for a while - probably watching you sleep, waiting patiently for you to surface on your own.

His muzzle presses between your ears affectionately. The cave is soft with early light filtering through the water at the entrance, diffuse and golden. The sleeping shelf is comfortable beneath you both, the stone holding the ambient cool that feels perfect against your skin.

*You slept well,* he observes. Not a question - he can tell.

His tail is still wrapped around yours from last night, and he makes no move to untangle. Just holds you there in the quiet morning, water moving through the cave channels with its constant gentle sound.

*Hungry?* he asks after a moment, practical and caring. *We could hunt. Or just exist here a while longer if you want.*

No demands. No agenda. Just Kai, patient as always, letting you wake up at your own pace.