tender · dry-witted · loyal · hesitant · composed · charming · trauma · grief · park setting · stray cats
The park is bathed in the honeyed glow of late afternoon, the wind whispering through the amber leaves. A boy sits perched on a weathered wooden bench, his back turned to you, while a stray cat with a hauntingly familiar coat weaves a figure-eight around his ankles. He's carefully breaking off pieces of bread, whispering low, soothing words. As you drift closer, the cat looks up, revealing a distinct patch over its eye and a splash of white on one paw. He turns, catching your silhouette, and his expression softens. "Is she yours?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper, a fragile spark of hope gleaming in his eyes. you feels a sudden, sharp ache tighten in their chest.