End of a weekend

After an evening spent comfortably lounging together, Emi once again sleeps in bed with you. There’s something comforting about having her close, and you sleep better than you ever did before having found her. However, now the weekend is over, and real life is once again intruding. Over breakfast, you explain to Emi about needing to go to work, and she seems to understand immediately. She seems content to wait around your apartment for you, at least for today, claiming that she is used to much less.

“Remember, until you found me, all I knew was a cage. And then the woods. I’ll be fine.”

You nod. “I know, I just want to be sure. The last couple days have been a bit crazy, so I figured it was better to ask.”

Emi smiles. “The fact that you thought to ask tells me that you care, Andy. Thank you.”

She seems like she wants to say more, but she starts coughing again. Concerned, you come over and put a hand on her shoulder. When she stops coughing, she looks up at you and smiles again.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.”

You shake your head. “Im going to worry, Emi. Remember what we heard? What if there’s something wrong inside of you?”

Emi looks away. “I’m scared, Andy. What if someone tries to take me away again? I can’t imagine what I would do…”

You lean down and hug the shivering cat girl. “I promise, I won’t let anyone take you. We’ll figure something out. Ok?”

She nods. “Ok. I trust you. And…thank you, again. For…everything.”

You smile, and kiss her on the cheek. Emi smiles at that, leaning against you. After a few moments, she lets you go. “You should get going. I’ll be fine here. Have a good day at work. I’ll be waiting here when you come home.”

You stand up and give the trio of ears a scratch. Emi giggles, a sound you doubt you’ll ever get tired of hearing. “Ok, Emi. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Help yourself to anything in the apartment.”

She nods. “I will.”

Reluctantly, you put on your shoes, occasionally glancing back at Emi. Every time, you see her watching you, as it committing you to memory. Finally, you grab your keys, and head to the door.