Page 8 of The Cuddle Clause
“Thanks,” I said hoarsely.
“You’re welcome,” he said, then added, “Take your time. There’s a lot.”
Therewas. I retreated to my bedroom and curled up on my bed, contract in one hand, water in the other, and flipped to section three.
3B:The tenant, Roman Velasquez, is a licensed wolf shifter diagnosed with mild autism spectrum disorder. He experiences post-transformation emotional dysregulation and sensory hypersensitivity. Therefore, the human roommate agrees to provide compassionate cohabitation during post-shift recovery, including but not limited to verbal reassurance, gentle physical contact, and access to weighted blankets.
I looked up. Roman had put on some clothes and turned off the kitchen light. He was shielding his eyes with one hand like the overhead bulb in my bedroom had personally offended him. He was blinking fast, as if he was disoriented.
“Yes,” he said softly. “I’m on the spectrum.”
My anger paused, tripping over confusion. Not pity. Not judgment.
Oh.
I kept reading.
3F:Physical comfort post-shift is encouraged. Cuddling is mandatory. Failure to participate in post-shift emotional support may result in immediate termination of the lease agreement.
“You’re joking.”
“Nope.”
“I have tocuddleyou?”
“Technically, yes. Or you’re in breach of contract.”
I groaned and flopped backward on the bed, contract on my chest, water glass abandoned on the nightstand. “I need a lawyer.”
Roman didn’t deny it, but he did smirk awkwardly. I sat back up and flipped through the rest.
Nudity Contingency Protocol:
Accidental nudity is inevitable. Eye contact must be established before commentary is allowed. Compliments are strongly encouraged.
Doris Cranberry Emergency Clause:
If Doris Cranberry initiates a surprise pop-in, the human roommate must:
Pretend the apartment smells like lavender, not werewolf.
Refer to all fur as “craft materials.”
Body block all doors containing wolf paraphernalia or said wolf.
“Who the hell isDoris Cranberry? Sounds like an off-brand soda.”
