“There’s a vet clinic right across from my office,” Norah said. “Take this kitten over there and have it checked out. I’ll go upstairs to find the files I need, and once I’m done, I’ll come find you.”
Xavier glanced at the box in her arms, his tone serious. “Are you planning to keep this cat?”
Norah nodded. “I can’t just abandon it again.”
Xavier didn’t argue. “Alright.”
Seeing how readily he agreed, Norah’s face broke into a truly happy smile.
Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of Norah’s office building. She handed the box to Xavier and pointed to the vet clinic across the street. “See it? Right over there. They also board pets for people who work nearby. You go ahead—I’ll come meet you once I’ve sent the files.”
Xavier asked, “It’s the weekend. Is anyone even at your office?”
Norah paused for a second, then her almond-shaped eyes lit up teasingly. “What’s with you? Worried about me?”
A brief flicker of emotion crossed Xavier’s eyes, but he said nothing, turning to head across the street with the box in his arms.
Norah pressed her lips together in a smile and called after him, “Be careful! Don’t scare the little kitten!”
Xavier didn’t look back, his long legs quickly carrying him to the clinic.
Norah then turned and headed into her office building.
Inside, she found the files on her computer and sent them to her coworker who was out on a business trip. After a phone call to discuss some details, she glanced at the time and realized half an hour had passed. She shut off her computer and hurried out.
When Norah arrived downstairs, Xavier was just coming back to meet her.
“Where’s the cat?” Norah asked.
“I left it at the vet. It’s definitely sick—they need to keep it there for treatment, and we can pick it up in a week.”
“What’s wrong with it?” she pressed.
Xavier frowned, remembering the string of complicated medical terms the veterinarian had used.
Smiling at his expression, Norah grabbed his arm and tugged him back toward the clinic.
Inside, the nurse spotted Xavier returning with a young woman and greeted them warmly. “The cat’s for your girlfriend, right?”
“Yes, it is!” Norah jumped in before Xavier could answer, flashing a playful smile. “So where’s my cat?”

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