Asha slipped on her usual black mask, the fabric pressing gently against her nose. It was her shield—against the world, and against the scent she could never escape. She took her daily route to work, a small pet café tucked on a quiet corner of the city.
It was the only place that would hire her, the only place where no one questioned why she always covered her face. Other jobs never lasted long; people found her strange, whispering behind her back about the girl who refused to take her mask off.
"Asha, can you change the litter boxes?" Jane called, stacking cans of dog food on the shelves. The shop was about to open. To most, it looked like a simple pet café, but for others, it was therapy—a place where people came to play with animals, calm their minds, and maybe even find a new companion. The café even had a small clinic in the back for check-ups and treatment.
After cleaning and replacing the litter boxes, Asha stepped outside to water the plants. She tilted the watering can, and a small splash hit her mask. She patted it dry, but the fabric slid down just as a gust of wind swept past.
The air changed.
A fragrance drifted toward her—soft, golden, and warm, like a half-forgotten memory. It carried the feeling of safety, of someone who once made her feel at peace. But beneath that sweetness came something else—sour, heavy, and still. Death.
Her body tensed.
That smell...
Quickly, Asha pulled the mask back up, eyes darting toward two people passing by.
The woman was elegant as always, her long hair swaying lightly as she stepped inside the shop, hand entwined with the man beside her. It was Marina, their boss, accompanied by her boyfriend, Matt.
"Good morning, Jane," Marina greeted, her tone cheerful. She raised her left hand, showing off a sparkling ring.
"Oh my God, congratulations!" Jane gasped, clapping her hands in delight. "Finally! You two have been together forever!"
Marina laughed softly, leaning her head against Matt's shoulder. "Thank you. We'll be celebrating tonight. You're all invited."
The room filled with cheers and clapping. Even Asha, who had just stepped back in, heard her name called.
"You should come too, Asha," Marina said warmly as she walked past toward the clinic.
"What's going on?" Asha asked Jane quietly at the counter.
"Boss's boyfriend proposed! Isn't it romantic?" Jane sighed dreamily, lost in her thoughts.
But Asha wasn't listening anymore. Her eyes followed Marina's silhouette, and unease settled deep in her stomach.
Should she say something? Should she tell Marina that she smelled death on her?
But who would believe her? People already thought she was strange. And if Marina thought she was insane, she could lose the only job she had left.
That night, glasses clinked and laughter filled the small restaurant. Marina's engagement party was in full swing. Jane was tipsy, dancing around, and everyone was happy—everyone except Asha, who sat quietly at the corner, her mask still on.
"Take off your mask, Asha! Enjoy the food and drinks!" Jane said, giggling as she took another sip.
Without thinking, Asha pulled the mask down. The room went silent for a moment. Even Marina paused, but only smiled as if she already knew something others didn't.
"Wow, you're actually pretty, Asha," their coworker Ben said, breaking the silence.
Asha didn't respond. She finished her drink in one long gulp, then stood up. "Boss, can I talk to you?"
Marina nodded, and they stepped outside.
The night air was cool. Asha, though she had only one glass, felt the alcohol rush through her veins. Her fingers fidgeted nervously as she faced Marina.
"You'll die," she blurted out.
Marina froze. "What?"
Asha's heart pounded. The memory flashed—her uncle, her aunt, that terrible night. The smell that had filled the house right before her aunt's death. It was the same scent she smelled on Marina.
Marina let out a soft chuckle. "Are you drunk, Asha?" She placed a hand on her shoulder gently. "You should go home. Let me get you a cab."
"Beware of your boyfriend," Asha said, her voice trembling as Marina waved for a cab.
When one stopped, Asha climbed in, adjusting her mask back over her nose. The city lights blurred outside the window. She whispered her address to the driver and closed her eyes, exhaustion washing over her.
Marina stood on the sidewalk, shaking her head. "That girl," she muttered, half amused, half confused.
Back inside, Jane asked, "Where's Asha, boss?"
"She went home," Marina replied simply.
"Always finding a way to sneak out," Jane giggled, clearly drunk. The celebration went on, but Marina couldn't shake the weight in her chest.
Her phone buzzed.
Matt's name flashed on the screen.
She smiled faintly and swiped to answer.
"Hey, love," she said.