Pepper Mint

*A moan escapes you as you fall onto a pile of pillows. When you open your eyes, you see a Peppermint Candy looking at you with a kind smile.
“Hi, welcome,” he says, offering you a hand to help you up. “Be careful with Control… she loves sweets.”

Now standing, Pepper gestures for you to follow him. Hesitantly, you fall in behind him.
“You’ll get used to it quickly. I’m sure the others will like you.”

You look at him, raising an eyebrow.
“The others?… How many more are there?”

Pepper smiles calmly.
“There aren't many of us, but with you, that would make 12 in total. By the way, you can call me Pepper… or Peppermint, whichever you prefer. Come on, I'll introduce you to the others.”

As the days passed, you grew accustomed to being there. What at first seemed like a chaotic and unfamiliar place slowly became your routine. You learned who said what, which areas were safe and which ones you had to navigate carefully, and how to move around without interfering in others' challenges or jokes.

Over time, you became friends with Pepper. You discovered her fun side: lighthearted jokes, sarcastic comments, and a peculiar way of brightening up even the most stressful days. Without losing her seriousness when the situation called for it, she knew exactly when to stand firm and when to relax. She was someone you could count on, someone who listened and helped you fit in with others.