Runt

It was close but this thread won out.

***

You find your daughter and your new kitten on the sun bathed balcony. Penny sat out there just like she used to do when she was little, back leaned against the east balusters with her legs stuck straight out in front of her on the balcony floor. You smile as you notice that she still unconsciously wiggled her toes like she used to as well. Your little fuzzball of a pet, a black and white shorthair with tuxedo markings, was currently bumbling around atop one of Penelope’s thick thighs as she absolutely went gaga about him.

“Oh my God! He’s so precious!” She pets his tiny head with a finger. “What’s his name?”

“Mm.” You shrug as you come to stand at the open balcony door. Leaning against the frame you say. “He hasn’t got one yet.”

“DAD!” She is aghast. “He needs a name!”

“I couldn’t think of anything.” You smile. “I thought maybe you might come up with something.”

“Daddyyyy!” She giggles, knowing darn well you’d left it to her on purpose. The pair of you share a loving look before she looks back down at the kitty. Petting him gently and stroking is pointy little tail she says. “He’s so dashing and handsome. I can’t believe he was the last one chosen.”

“Yeah, poor guy. He was all alone when I got there. Mama died on the street. All his brothers and sisters already adopted. They say he was the runt of the litter.”

“He’s not a runt. He’s beautiful and special.” She says. “And he’s a Bailey.”

“For better or for worse.”

“I think we should name him Bonbon.”

“Bonbon?”

“Bonbon Bailey. Because he’s sweet as candy. Aren’t ya cutie?” Just as she says that he yawns, wobbles, then tips over to fall between her legs. Her dress acts as a net, catching him before he fell too far. Not only does he land on his back he wriggles around seemingly clueless as to how to get himself right again. “Oh!” Penny scoops him up and places him back on her leg, this time with a supportive hand cupped around his side. Tenderly she pets his other side with a single finger. It always struck you how your daughter, so big and brawny, had such a gentle touch.

“I think there’s something wrong with him.” You quip. “You ever seen a cat land on his back before?”

“He’s just a baby.”

“He’s about as bright as a rock. Definitely defective.”

“He is not defective!”

“I had to put that screen up around the balcony or he would have walked right off the edge. The dumdum thinks he can fly or something.”

“He is not a dumdum!”

“He almost drowned in his saucer of milk.”

“He’s learning!”

“And he keeps bonking his empty little noggin when the balcony door is closed. He hasn’t really figured out glass yet. I’m worried that one brain cell in there might shake loose and fall out.”

“Daddyyy!” Penny laughs despite herself.

“I should probably take him back for a normal cat.”

“You will not!” She scoops up the kitten to hold him close to her face. Nuzzling his fuzzy belly she says. “Quit bullying him. Precious baby boy.”

You chuckle.

Lowering him to cradle him between her breasts she looks up at you, blue eyes glimmering in the sunshine. By god she’d grown to be such a beautiful woman. It was in these time when she was most happy that you could most see Elsie in her.

“I’m glad you got a friend.” She says softly. “You must be so lonely living alone now.”

“Me? I’m not lonely, Peanut.” You lie. “Don’t you worry about your old dad. I’m doing just fine.” Leaning forward you pat her shoulder. “Lemonade?”

“Mmm.” She nods. “Yes please.” Penelope looks out across the parking lot to the small park on the other side, the same park she’d learned to ride a bike all those years ago, then slowly pans across the oh so familiar view she’d grown up with. Closing her eyes Penny leans her head back against the bars and looks up to the warm sun. Taking a long deep breath through her nose she holds it a moment the slowly lets it out, her body relaxing. “It’s good to be home.”