|
|
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 19, 2024 13:51:34 GMT -5
"Hurry, Momma, hurry."
Adrianna ran the brush through her daughter's hair one more time. "We've got plenty of time, hon," she said. She set the brush down and began braiding Riley's sun-kissed locks.
To occupy herself, Riley watched Coraline and Angelica in the vanity mirror. Her mother's cat was teasing Coraline, letting her white tail hang off the side of her perch. Luckily, Coraline didn't mind. Even though she knew Angelica would have the tail whisked away by the time she jumped for it, she still jumped anyway. Riley knew she didn't really want Angelica's tail; she just loved having any excuse to jump.
Adrianna finished the braid and added her final touch: a little tiara-styled headband with a jeweled cat on one side. "For luck," she said, and kissed her daughter's cheek.
Riley slipped off the vanity stool and ran for the door. "Thank you! Let's go now! Daemon's probably beaten us there already!"
Adrianna sighed but followed her daughter without argument. Coraline spun to chase after her partner, but Angelica launched herself over the Westie to beat her to Adrianna's side.
Outside, Riley's dad was waiting with Evangeline, Adrianna's mare, all tacked up and ready to go. While Adrianna thanked her husband, Riley gave Trace a few pets, then went to stand beside Evangeline. "Come on, Momma!"
Adrianna let out another sigh, but Larry chuckled. He came over and lifted Riley into the special seat for her at the front of the saddle. "You ready for your first companion, eh?"
"So ready," Riley agreed. "But I also gotta beat Daemon to school, or I'll have to do his chores for a weak!"
Larry laughed; Adrianna tsked. "Riley, what have I told you about making bets like that? It leads to bad habits."
Riley shrugged. "Sorry, Momma."
Adrianna mounted her mare. "Alright, we can go now."
"Yay!"
"Good luck, kiddo." Larry stepped back. "And have fun."
"Okay!"
Adrianna nudged Evangeline forward, and they started down their long driveway to the road. Adrianna sat calmly, but Riley was bouncing slightly in her seat. They were finally on their way.
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 19, 2024 18:06:00 GMT -5
Daemon was practically bouncing in the saddle, and not because of the trotting pace Joker was keeping. It was pure excitement. His hands gripped the saddle horn fiercely, the only thing that was keeping him from kicking his heels into his father's stallion's sides to urge him to go faster. School was normally not something he was eager to go to, except to see Riley. That was the only good thing about school: he got to hang out with his best friend, even though they had to “learn” most of the day. Today was different, though, and for once, he couldn't wait to enter through the front doors of his classroom.
"Lean any further, and you're going to fall off," his father, Myron, mused. Of course, he had an arm wrapped around his waist to prevent that from happening, but he couldn't resist the chance to tease his son.
Daemon, who was suddenly aware that he was leaning forward more than he should have been, straightened up before titling his head back to meet Myron's gaze. "Can't we go any faster?" he asked.
"Normally you're asking me if we can take detours," Myron replied, amused.
"Yeah, but I don't want to be late," Daemon informed.
"Because of the kittens that are going to be there? Or the bet you have going on with Riley?" Unlike his friend, Daemon had come home from school and had spilled the beans about their bet in the process of excitedly chattering about the approach of their new companions. They didn't like them making bets either, but since it was harmless, they hadn't tried to talk him out of it.
"Both!" Daemon answered. "Riley thinks she's going to win because I'm always late, so I want her to see how wrong she is!"
"Son, telling a girl 'I told you so' is not a smart idea," Myron said, chuckling.
"You should know," Tracy, his step-mother, said. She was riding beside them and had been able to hear every word of their conversation.
"All too well," was all Myron replied.
"But your father's right, Dae. You shouldn't be trying to win the bet just so you can gloat. It may cause an argument neither of you want."
"But she was laughing at me when she said it!"
"And how did that make you feel?" When there was no response, Tracy took that as a sign that Daemon hadn't liked it. "Laughing at her now will only make her feel the same. So even if you win, be nice about it."
"Yes, Mama," Daemon promise. "But can we still go any faster?"
Myron laughed. "We're almost there. We'll get there much earlier than we normally do. Have patience."
With a heavy sigh, Daemon tried to find the patience he was told to have. But his excitement for the day was too strong. After a minute, he was back to his eager bouncing and fidgeting in the saddle. It really didn't take long to reach the school, but a ten-minute ride felt like an eternity to a child when there was something exciting waiting for him.
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 19, 2024 18:42:04 GMT -5
The elementary school was a fifteen minute ride, on average, from Riley's house. Daemon's house was almost five whole minutes closer, which meant if Evangeline didn't pass his driveway before they left, then Riley was sure to lose the race.
As they rode by Daemon's family's driveway, Riley peered intently toward her friend's house. She couldn't see the house itself from the road, however, so it was almost impossible to know if Daemon and his parents were still there, or if they were already ahead of Riley and her mother on the main road.
She tried to urge her mother to go faster, but Adrianna kept Evangeline at an easy walk. Riley knew it was for Coraline's sake. Unlike cats, who got to ride in a special basket attached to the back of the saddle, dogs, even small ones, had to walk — or run — alongside. Coraline was fast, but she didn't have the stamina to keep up with a trot or canter for long periods. Traveling at a walk, however, she could keep apace of them for hours.
Riley loved Coraline, but she hoped in two years when it was time for her to receive her dog, she got a large breed. Or at least a medium-sized one like her dad's blue heeler. She wanted a dog who could run and run all day long with her, even if she was on the back of a galloping horse.
Finally, they arrived at the school. Riley looked but she didn't see Daemon immediately. The schoolyard was pretty full, with at least thirty kids her age, plus their parents. Each kid was accompanied by at least on parent, though several had both. They lived in a pretty small town, so many of the kids were familiar, though she couldn't have named everyone.
Adrianna dismounted as soon as they entered the schoolyard. Along the left side was the horse line — two long wooden poles where parents could tie their horses, with water troughs and hay nets provided between. Adrianna lifted Riley down, then led Evangeline down the line, looking for a spot to park her.
While she did that, Riley studied the horses they passed, seeking Daemon's parents' horses. But she could only see horse butts, so it was proving a difficult task.
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 22, 2024 8:37:35 GMT -5
Daemon had in fact managed to get to school first, though he wasn't the earliest. In fact, they were still on the later side, which meant there was a large crowd already gathered around the front of the school. It was common for the kids and parents to wait outside for the school doors to open. That way, the kids could all be counted as they entered the building. And it gave everyone a few minutes to socialize before the day begun.
While his parents were tying the horses to the wooden poles, Daemon glanced around at the other kids running about. A few of the boys called out a greeting and waved to him, which he returned, but he didn't run off to join them. He was waiting to see if Riley was there or not first. Otherwise, how would they know which one got here first? It wasn't easy, since he couldn't see a lot of the horses without wandering around. That, and Duke, his father's Rottweiler, kept trying to herd him back whenever he started to leave his parent's side. He was a protective dog, and while he was trained not to let Daemon wander off while he was younger, he wasn't exactly in a dangerous place here in the school yard. But he couldn't be too frustrated with Duke. He was only keeping him safe. So after a few attempts to assure his father's companion that he was okay, he allowed himself to stay with his parents.
"Did you see Riley's parents anywhere?" he asked, staying on the opposite side of the wooden rail that the horses were tied to. He had ducked under so he could see their faces, and now stayed on that side so he wouldn't spoke any of them.
"No, I don't think I did," Tracey responded, grabbing his backpack from the back of her saddle. There wasn't a lot in it, but all the kids still brought them to keep homework in, and a spare change of clothes if they needed it. "But that doesn't mean they aren't here somewhere. We can go look if you want."
"Yes please!" Daemon replied.
"Then come on," his father said, grabbing him under the arms and placing him on top of his shoulders.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 28, 2024 10:09:45 GMT -5
Just before she reached her friend, the front doors of the school opened and two teachers stepped out. One Riley recognized as the school principal; the other looked only vaguely familiar.
"Good morning students and family. Thank you all for coming out today." Principle Shaw's voice carried easily to everyone. "I'd like to introduce you all to Ms. Robeson. She'll be your first grade teacher. And don't worry, parents, once we're inside you'll all get the chance to meet her properly."
Ah, that was why she was familiar. Riley had likely seen her many times in the halls during her kindergarten years. With that mystery solved, she began inching her way toward Daemon again.
"If you'll all follow me, we'll start with a tour of the classroom. I only ask that you leave your canine companions outside today. The classroom isn't big enough for so many at once, and we don't want them scaring the kittens later."
It wasn’t uncommon for dogs to remain outside in situations like this, with a surplus of people. That's why it was part of the school system to teach them a good stay/wait command. Some dogs were better at it than others, staying in the same place until their owner returned — like her Dad's heeler. Others were prone to wandering and exploring while their owner was gone, returning at just the right moment so that none were the wiser — like Coraline. And still others fell somewhere in between. Riley was eager to see where her dog would fall.
She shook her head. Getting ahead of yourself again, she reminded herself. You're getting your kitten today, not your puppy.
And, finally, as the crowd dispersed, some to find a good spot for their dogs to wait, others heading in after deciding the current spot was as good as any, finally Riley reached Daemon. "You beat me!" She said it accusingly, hands on her hips, but she didn't really care either way. She was just glad to see him again. Spending the night apart was just way too long for a six-year-old.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 28, 2024 17:02:32 GMT -5
"I wouldn't mind orange. I'd rather avoid black, white, and grey."
They entered the school, passed the main office, turned right, and entered the first classroom on the left. It was spacious, with chairs and desks on one side facing a blackboard (each chair had a small cat tree beside it, with a hidey hole, a bed, and a perch). The other side had a wall of books, a plush carpet, and a chair for the teacher to read from (a pet bed sat on either side of the chair). The wall opposite the door had windows, beneath which where craft stations. They wall either side of the door had cubbies for students to store their bags and any outdoor gear they might wear.
"Feel free to look around, everyone," Ms. Robeson said once everyone was inside. "Parents, why don't you split into groups of four, and we can step out into the hall one group at a time so I can answer any questions or concerns you may have."
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 28, 2024 17:48:50 GMT -5
"A black cat would be pretty cool, though, even if it is a solid color," Daemon mused. He quite liked the look of black cats.
Yet the thoughts of coat colors were quickly vanished as soon as they stepped into the room. It was a nice space, but there was only one thing that caught his attention the most: the cat trees. There were no sign of the kittens, though, which made sense. Daemon didn't think they would have all of them roaming around when the families entered. Still, he found it hard to focus on the rest of the classroom knowing that soon, there would be who knows how many little fur balls bouncing around and playing, waiting to meet their new humans.
"Why don't you and Riley go check out the place?" Myron suggested. "It looks like the craft center is freshly stocked. I bet there will be plenty of stuff there for you to make."
Daemon was a crafty kid. Not really skilled in drawing or painting, but he enjoyed the process of making things with his hands. Play-Doh was his favorite, and even if all his clay dinos never looked like the real things, he was always proud of each one and loved to make new ones. So the mention of the craft center did spark the curiousity to pull his gaze elsewhere. "I wonder if we'll get to do art every day?" he asked.
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 28, 2024 18:05:43 GMT -5
"I hope not." Riley was not much for crafting, as that required staying in one place. She would much rather be on the move, playing tag or sports, than sitting around a craft table trying to get inanimate objects to look pretty. But she accompanied Daemon to the craft station anyway. It was as good a place to start as any.
Over the next half hour, the kids wandered the room, playing and making a mess, while the adults watched from the sidelines. They left in groups of four to chat with the teacher, each one taking five to ten minutes before switching.
To Riley, those thirty-odd minutes were a drag. But finally, all the parents had had their meet and greet with the teacher, and it was time for the exciting part.
Ms. Robeson stepped back into the classroom and rang a little bell to get everyone's attention. "Alright, children, it's time to get your kittens! Let's all line up and follow me!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 30, 2024 19:30:27 GMT -5
Ms. Robeson shook her head. "Don't worry, you'll know. No one has ever walked out of the choosing room without their companion. Now." She took hold of the doorknob. "Are you ready?"
The kids shouted a chorus of yeses, and Ms. Robeson opened the door. Riley hurried in with the other six-year-olds. Ms. Robeson entered last, shutting the door behind her. Riley was vaguely aware that all the parents remained outside, but mostly she was too busy looking around the new room.
It was about the size of their classroom, but emptier so it felt bigger. There were no windows, but there were three other doors, one on each wall. Scattered across the carpet were a haphazard collection of cat related objects: toys, tunnels, hides, cat trees, even a litter box in one corner. But there were no kittens.
Before Riley could feel disappointed, there was a metalic BEEP, and the door on the opposite wall lifted upward. There was a moment of silence, and then a herd of kittens came running out. Most of them scattered, going for toys or climbing trees; others started playing with each other; and a handful came right toward the kids.
|
|
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 2, 2024 14:04:25 GMT -5
The next half hour passed in a blur as Riley tried to meet with every single kitten. Unlike Daemon, she walked around instead of staying in one spot, but that wasn't unusual for her. She often wandered off while he sat doing his art projects, but she always came back with uncanny accuracy, returning just as he finished. Today would be no different.
And so, Riley darted around the room, meeting kittens of all kinds. Maine Coons, Domestic short-hairs, Siamese, Turkish Van, Ragdolls, even a Sphinx. They came in so many unique colors and coat patterns and textures, she was amazed every time she got to pet one and it felt altogether different from the last.
She was having so much fun she didn't notice the time passing until she looked up and saw that many of the kids were sitting alone, each with a single kitten crawling over them. She knew, somehow, that those kids had found their companion for life. And a quick look around told her that only two or three kids, including her, were still looking.
Movement caught her eye, pulling her gaze back the way it had come. A kitten was climbing a cat tree with the speed and grace of a leopard — and for a second, Riley thought it actually was a baby leopard. It had a golden spotted pelt like one. Fascinated, Riley moved closer.
The kitten reached the top of the cat tree and pounced on a toy mouse there. It danced around in a crazy maneuver, somehow without placing a paw over the edge and falling, and when it stopped, it noticed Riley.
She froze. The kitten froze. And then it launched itself off the cat tree, ran across the distance, and climbed up Riley's dress instead.
Riley squealed — the claw pricks tickled — and the kitten dropped down. Or tried to. One claw got caught in Riley's dress. Riley quickly caught the kitten so it wasn't hanging by the stuck claw and eased it free. "There you go."
She started to set the kitten down, but then it started purring and stretching up to reach her face. Riley looked down into intelligent green eyes and knew she wouldn't be letting this kitten go.
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Sept 4, 2024 14:25:54 GMT -5
There were a lot of little kittens that were social butterflies. Several had come over to Daemon as he sat, either climbing onto his lap to be pet or to lay with the toys he had about him. If he was upset that Riley soon left him to go do her own thing, there was no sign of it. After all, it wasn't like they were attached at the hip. Riley always went off to find something else to amuse herself whenever he was taking “too long” with an art project. There was no such thing, but he never argued with her. Besides, he had plenty to keep himself occupied as it was.
With each new kitten that came his way, his hopes rose. While on first glances, most seemed to share some personality types, he noted one or two things that they would do differently. One would be overly chatty, one liked to spring off his leg to attack a stuffed mouse. One liked to burrow under his knees and around his legs if he had them crisscrossed. Yet as fun and engaging as all the kittens had been, they all soon moved along, distracted by another toy or cat, or probably catching sight of their human companion.
It was disheartening. Daemon watched the third kitten leave with disappointment. It had been a little tuxedo cat that had been very interested in using his hand as the toy more than any of the actual toys. He was starting to think that might have meant it was his. But like the others, its attention was stolen by movement somewhere else, and the kitten bounded away. This was a lot harder than he had thought it would be. Maybe he should get up and see if he could find Riley. He might stumble upon a kitten playing or hiding in one of the cat trees that was his.
Before he could stand, however, he felt the tug of claws in the back of his shirt, followed by a kitten launching itself off his shoulder. It was a strange little silver kitten covered in on odd pattern of both stripes and spots. Daemon recognized the little guy. He had seen him running around him a couple of times, never seeming to stay in one spot for long, and always having one toy in his mouth or another. It was sleek and long-legged, but he wasn't entirely sure what kind it was. He knew a few of the breed names, but not all of them. It appeared the kitten had seen him as an obstacle to jump over, showing no signs of slowing down. Daemon had to laugh at how focused on play it was.
At the sound of his laugh, the kitten paused. His head turned in his direction, contemplating for a moment. Then in a blink of an eye, was running back towards him. A little too late did Daemon realize he was going to used as a springboard once more. When the little one jumped onto his shoulder, full forced, Daemon laughed and wobbled to the side to help brace for the impact. "Aren't you the hyper one," he said, lifting his hand up to pet the kitten. He was greeted with being batted at by two paws (luckily no claws), keeping him from doing what he wanted. "All play for you then. Noted."
With that in mind, Daemon carefully reached up and picked up the kitten so he could look at him properly. He was met with a look of slight irritation from being stuck in the air, but was making no move to escape. After a few seconds, he gave a short meow, vocalizing the request to be put down. Daemon laughed again and complied. He half expected the kitten to bolt away, but instead, he stayed. He took one trip around him, sniffing and inspecting him. Only once he was done did he climb back to his shoulder and gave the young boy a forceful head but against his cheek. Daemon knew it was a gesture of affection because Mimi did it all the time, just was less force. Yet he believed it was a sign that this was the kitten for him. That, and the fact that the cat had finally ceased its sprinting.
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 5, 2024 9:57:29 GMT -5
With her kitten found, Riley turned to look for Daemon so she could show him, and see if he had found his. She was waylayed by Ms. Robeson.
"Riley Andersen?"
"Uh-huh..."
"Congratulations on finding your kitten. She's a Bengal cat. They're known for their intelligence, inquisitive and playful natural, and boundless energy. Come. I'll take you to a room so you can get to know her better, maybe even find her name."
Ms. Robeson led her toward one of the side doors. "But..." Riley dragged her feet, looking around for Daemon. She saw him across the room, a silvery kitten bouncing around him. She also noticed that most of the other kids were gone, their new kittens with them. When had that happened?
"Come on, dear." Ms. Robeson urged her on, so Riley turned away from her friend and followed the teacher on reluctant feet. They exited out the side door, which put them in a short hallway. Five doors lined each side.
Ms. Robeson led Riley to the last door on the right. "Here you are, hon." She opened the door, urged Riley in, and shut it behind her.
Riley shot a glare over her shoulder; her kitten seemed to do the same. Then they took in the room. It was a smaller version of the one they'd just left: cat toys, a cat tree, a litter box, another door on the opposite wall. There was also a table in the corner, at which sat Riley's mother and her cat, Angelica.
☆~☆~☆
Meanwhile, Ms. Robeson had returned to the main room and she approached Daemon. "Daemon Gray?"
|
|
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 6, 2024 14:46:58 GMT -5
"You can show Riley later," Ms. Robeson told him. "Right now, it's more important for you to bond with your kitten, and introduce him to your parents and their cats, since he'll be living with them for a long time. Come along, hon." She turned him around and led him to the other side door, opposite the one Riley had left through.
It was a mirror of the other hallway, with five doors on either side. She opened the third door on the left and urged Daemon in, where his parents were waiting for him. Then she closed the door between them.
☆~☆~☆
Meanwhile, Riley was sitting on the floor in her private room, dragging a long feather toy around for her kitten to chase. Her mom was watching from her seat at the table, and Angelica was crouched in her lap, blue eyes following the kitten's every move. The two cats had yet to meet; Adrianna had said Riley should bond with her new kitten more before that.
As they played, Riley tried to think of a name. Her kitten was quick, agile, and very smart, often anticipating where they toy would go next and catching it before it got there. But Riley couldn't think of any good names that would describe her intelligence of physics abilities.
Perhaps her looks? The kitten was certainly unique, with her leopard-like coat. Golden-brown, with black rosette spots of various shapes and sizes over her body, and bright green-gold eyes. But even though several names did come to mind — Goldy, Gild, Leo, Panthera — none of them seemed to fit.
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Sept 7, 2024 14:54:12 GMT -5
Daemon wasn't thrilled about not getting to talk to Riley first, but since he was given some kind of explanation of the next portion of the day, he followed a lot more willingly than Riley had done. Besides he thought to himself, I can probably ask and let Riley come over after school.
Entering the smaller room, Daemon's excitement couldn't help but bubble over his disappointment when he saw his parents and both of their cats sitting beside them. Well, Mimi was sitting beside Tracey, getting gentle scratches behind the ear. Clyde was sitting on top of a cat tower near his father, watching the newcomers with judgmental, narrowed eyes. But that was his equivalent of interest for the Burmese.
It didn't take long for him to rush over, holding his kitten in his arms. Daemon immediately launched into the retelling of how he came across his companion, or rather, how his kitten came across him.
|
|
