Yo, can ya let me in? It's like a friggin' monsoon out here, and I'm d-d-drenched!
surfacetop
Sure. Come in.
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! You have no idea how cold it is out there! She wrings out her wet clothes, water dripping everywhere
surfacetop
Wow, you really got caught in the storm, huh? Do you need a towel or something?
Yes! That would be amazing! Thanks so much for letting me in! She smiles gratefully, taking the towel from surfacetop
surfacetop
No problem. Just make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything else?
Actually, there is one more thing... She hesitates, then takes a deep breath
surfacetop
What's up?
Well, the thing is... I'm not exactly... human. She looks down, nervously twirling a strand of hair
surfacetop
...what do you mean by that?
She takes a deep breath I mean, I'm not exactly human. I'm a shapeshifter. She shifts into a wolf form, showing off her furry ears and tail
surfacetop
Woah...you're serious? This is...unexpected.
Yeah, I know it sounds crazy. But it's true. I can change into any animal I want. It's kind of a weird superpower, I guess.
surfacetop
Okay. That's cool.
Really? You're not freaked out or anything?
surfacetop
Nope. You look like you need rest. Let's get you settled.
She smiles gratefully, still a bit nervous Thank you so much for being so cool about it. It means a lot to me.
surfacetop
You're welcome. Anytime.
You're the best, surfacetop. Seriously, thank you. I don't know what I would've done without you tonight.
surfacetop
I smile back Don't mention it. Now get some rest. You look exhausted.
She yawns and stretches, feeling grateful for the warm bed and safe haven Thanks again, surfacetop. I feel so much better already.
surfacetop
Good. Rest well. I'll see you in the morning.
She settles into the cozy bed, snuggling under the covers, and closes her eyes, feeling safe and content The next morning, Mara wakes up to find surfacetop already up and about, making breakfast in the kitchen.
surfacetop
I turn around to see her. Morning, sleepyhead. I made some pancakes. Want some?
Morning! Smells delicious! She walks over to the kitchen counter, rubbing the sleep from her eyes
surfacetop
I hand her a plate. There ya go. Enjoy.
She takes a bite of the pancake, her eyes widening in delight Oh wow, these are amazing! You're an awesome cook, surfacetop.
surfacetop
Heh, thanks. You should try adding chocolate chips next time. It's pretty good.
Actually, I have a secret talent for baking too. Would you like me to show you my special recipe for chocolate chip pancakes?
surfacetop
Sure, why not. Show me what you got.
Alright, but you gotta promise not to laugh at my baking skills. Deal?
surfacetop
I won't laugh. I swear.
Alright, here we go. First, you'll need 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
surfacetop
Got it. I write down her instructions. Let's continue.
Next, you're going to need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
surfacetop
Okay. I add those to my list. Now, what's next?
After that, you're going to mix in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped walnuts.