The Inn's Secret Yogurt Thief
A new presence had quietly infiltrated the kitchen—a snow-white fox spirit named Bai Shuang ("White Frost"). Hailing from the northernmost reaches, this wanderer of winter had developed an unexpected fascination with human refrigerators.
I might never have noticed her if not for the mysterious yogurt incident.
It was well past midnight when I found the kitchen lights still on. The air smelled faintly tart—not the usual kitchen scents—and there she crouched before the open fridge, ears twitching guiltily, a tub of sugar-free yogurt clutched in her pale hands. Moonlight streaming through the window made her fur glow like fresh powder.
"What are you doing?" I whispered.
Her tail stiffened like a startled cat's. When she turned, her eyes held the perfect blend of innocence and shame. "I just... thought human food looked delicious," she murmured, voice softer than snowfall. "Especially this... this magical white substance..."
The way she cradled the yogurt tub—as if holding some sacred relic—made me chuckle. "You've never had yogurt before?"
"Where I'm from," she sighed, "winter preserves only the simplest foods." Her claws tapped the plastic lid nervously. "I meant no harm. I just... wanted one taste."
I reached past her for a spoon. "Next time, ask properly. I'll even pick flavors for you."
Her ears perked up. "You wouldn't mind?"
"You're a spirit, not some petty thief." I popped the lid open for her. "Besides, watching you discover human food might be the highlight of my week."
What followed was nothing short of a culinary epiphany. With each spoonful, Bai Shuang's eyes grew wider—first at the initial tang, then the creamy texture, finally the way it chilled her throat. "This!" she declared, yogurt dotting her muzzle like snowflakes, "is humanity's greatest alchemy!"
I ruffled the fur between her ears. "Easy there. Even miracles require moderation."
She nodded absently, already scooping another bite.
And so, the solemn winter wanderer became our most endearing kitchen ghost. Now whenever the fridge light glows past midnight, I know to leave out a fresh tub—honey flavor, her current favorite. Some bonds, after all, are best built one stolen spoonful at a time.
ns216.73.216.103da2
and then Add to home screen.