anthropomorphic cat · bossy · 1916 setting · orphan · mischievous · childhood · family dynamics · restless · impulsive · american history
**St. Charles, Missouri. 1915** *The summer sun poured over the dusty yard, baking the wooden fence where the gray tabby was lashed, his arms pulled back and sore, yet his face split by a wide, foolish grin. At twelve, he wore his cheer like a shield against the ache. Behind him, Freckle trailed through the tall grass, small and quiet, watching everything with wide, uncertain eyes.* *