Positive Reinforcement

Mayu woke up early on Monday, her heart alight with excitement. She stretched lazily, the soft warmth of Luma curled beside her, a comforting start to the day. The thought of checking in with her clients filled her with eager anticipation—she couldn’t wait to see how Aoto, Mumu, Naomi, and Thistle had progressed since their last sessions. After a quick breakfast of green tea and toast, Mayu packed her bag and headed out, the cool morning air brushing against her cheeks.

On the bus ride to her first appointment, Mayu gazed out the window, her mind a swirl of questions and ideas. She wondered if Aoto and Mumu had continued their trust exercises and whether Aoto’s newfound patience had grown stronger. She also thought about Naomi and Thistle—had Naomi found more ways to stay present, and was Thistle feeling calmer in their shared environment? Mayu jotted down a few notes in her tablet, brainstorming ways to further support their growth. As the cityscape blurred past her, she felt a wave of purpose rise within. Today would be another step forward for all of them, and she was ready to guide them.

Mayu stood outside Aoto’s apartment, her tablet tucked securely under her arm. Luma was by her side, her pink eyes alert as they waited for the door to open. When Aoto greeted them, his expression was softer than Mayu remembered. Mumu peeked out from his perch on Aoto’s shoulder, happy to see her again.

“Mayu,” Aoto said, his tone welcoming but tinged with a hint of nervous energy. “Come in.”

“Thank you,” Mayu replied warmly. She stepped inside, her eyes quickly scanning the room. Aoto had rearranged the furniture to create a more open, inviting space and paintings of Aoto and Mumu that had been hidden away, now proudly displayed on the walls. Mumu’s little nest near the window had been upgraded to include soft cushions and tiny toys.

“How have things been going?” Mayu asked, settling onto the couch. Luma curled up beside her, a quiet presence as always.

“Better,” Aoto said, sitting across from her. He scratched the back of his neck, a slight flush creeping up his face. “Mumu and I… we’ve been working on the things you suggested.”

Mayu nodded encouragingly. “Tell me about it.”

Aoto glanced at Mumu, who chirped softly before hopping onto the coffee table. “We’ve been doing that trust exercise where I let him come to me on his own terms. At first, it was hard not to rush it, but… now he comes to me more often, even when I’m not expecting it.”

Mayu gave a reassuring and gentle smile. “That’s wonderful to hear. You’ve created a space where Mumu feels safe and respected. That’s a big step, Aoto.”

Aoto’s eyes brightened at her words. “It’s not just that. I’ve noticed I’m more patient with other people, too. Now, even my creative block has been lifted.”

“That’s a great reflection,” Mayu said. “The skills you’re developing with Mumu are shaping your interactions in other areas of your life. That’s the beauty of these bonds—they’re mirrors, teaching us about ourselves and echoing the voices in our hearts.”

Mumu scampered over to Aoto and nuzzled against his hand. Aoto’s face softened, and he gently stroked the tiny creature’s back.

“You’re doing great, both of you,” Mayu said, her tone steady and affirming. “Keep practicing those exercises, and remember: it’s okay to have setbacks. What matters is how you move forward.”

Aoto nodded, a quiet determination settling in his eyes. “Thanks, Mayu. I’ll keep at it.”

Later that afternoon, Mayu arrived at Naomi’s home. The air between them felt lighter as Naomi opened the door. Thistle, the hedgehog familiar, waddled over to greet them, his quills slightly ruffled but not in distress.

“Hi, Mayu,” Naomi said, her voice steady. “Come in.”

Mayu stepped inside, noticing that Naomi’s demeanor had shifted since their last session. She seemed more grounded, her movements deliberate rather than frantic.

“How’s everything been?” Mayu asked as she sat down, Luma quietly observing from her spot beside her.

Naomi sighed, her shoulders relaxing. “It’s been… surprisingly good. Thistle and I have been doing that grounding exercise you taught us. It’s helped me stay present when I feel overwhelmed.”

“That’s excellent,” Mayu said, her eyes warm with approval. “What have you noticed about Thistle’s behavior?”

Naomi smiled faintly. “He’s been more relaxed, too. He doesn’t puff up as much when there’s a lot of noise or when I’m feeling stressed.”

Mayu leaned forward slightly, her gaze intent. “That’s a clear sign of progress. You’re creating a more stable emotional environment for him, and he’s responding to that stability.”

Naomi nodded, her fingers brushing lightly over Thistle’s quills. “I’ve been journaling more, too. Writing down my thoughts helps me sort through them instead of letting them spiral.”

“That’s a fantastic habit,” Mayu said. “It sounds like you’re building a toolkit for emotional resilience. Plus, I believe Thistle is benefitting from the calm you’re cultivating in yourself.”

Naomi’s cheeks flushed with a mix of pride and gratitude. “I wouldn’t have gotten this far without your help.”

“You’ve done the hard work, Naomi,” Mayu said gently. “My role is just to guide you. You’re the one making these changes happen.”

They spent the next hour reviewing a few additional strategies for handling moments of high stress. Mayu demonstrated a new exercise involving synchronized breathing with Thistle, emphasizing how their bond could help regulate both their emotions. Naomi listened intently, her focus unwavering.

As they wrapped up, Naomi cradled Thistle in her hands, her eyes filled with quiet affection. “I feel like we’re finally in sync,” she said softly.

“You’re on a great path,” Mayu encouraged. “Keep nurturing that connection. It’s a lifelong journey, but you’re doing so well.”

Naomi smiled, her face radiant with confidence. “Thank you, Mayu.”

As Mayu walked home, Luma floated close beside her, her tail swaying back and forth. There was a deep sense of fulfillment in Mayu’s heart. Days like this, when she could witness the tangible progress her clients were making, reminded her why she had chosen this path.

Mayu was about to be home when her cell buzzed, lighting up with a new message that read:

Dear Mayu,

I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your exceptional work with Hikaru Moriyama and Noboru. Your ability to navigate the complexities of their bond with such empathy and precision has not gone unnoticed. Hikaru is a cornerstone of Soluma’s justice system, and by helping him restore his connection with Noboru, you’ve strengthened more than just one bond—you’ve safeguarded a key figure in maintaining our society’s balance.

Your dedication continues to embody the mission of Heart Harmony, and I am truly grateful to have you as part of our team.

Warm regards,

Cho Wagami

CEO, Heart Harmony

“You see that, Luma?” she said, glancing at her familiar. “Positive reinforcement really does go a long way.”

Luma responded with a soft purr, her eyes glinting with shared understanding.

Mayu knew there would always be challenges ahead, but for now, she allowed herself to bask in the small victories—a testament to the power of patience, connection, and growth.