A Nightmare

First Quarter Moon

The next two weeks flew by. Sometimes they met at the little cat shelter, sometimes they only saw the remains of the meal that one of them had previously left there. The atmosphere between them remained frosty, and even the snacks brought by Alain could only slowly melt Khajuls distrust. However, they got used to each other's company and even chose a name for the kitten. Albidaya, like the beginning of their friendship, grew strong and carefree.

The days were getting chillier. Low grey clouds hung heavily over the city. Khajul was waiting for Alain in front of the school. Alain appeared in the gate as always in a good mood, leaping to great his friend as soon as he saw him, but Kajul dogded him as usual. Then they made their way to the shelter. They bought a bottle of juice, and Khajul listened to Alain complaining about his physics teacher. The city was quite empty that day.

When the two of them turned around the familiar corner, the slightly raised cover immediately caught their attention. Without wasting any time on thinking, they sprinted to the shelter. They saw Albidaya lying on the floor with her back facing them. Alain breathed a sigh of relief. But when Khajul tried to take the kitten gently in his hands, she hissed with her last strength and gave him a bloody scratch. Surprised, Khajul staggered right back out into Alain's arms, who held him anxiously. Alain was immediately alarmed by the wound and almost hyperventilated when Khajul brought his focus back to Albidaya. They struggled to get her up and turn her towards them. A gaping wound covered her belly. Barely upright, the little creature collapsed again, and a small cry of pain escaped Khajul's lips. They saw a pool of blood around the kitten. The little creature breathed slowly and heavily. Tears began to roll down Khajul's cheeks unhindered and his body shook with deep sobs when the kitten drew its last breath. Alain gently took him in his arms. He tried with all his might to hold back his own tears and at the same time sooth the trembling boy he was holding in his arms. Khajul put his arms around Alain, who drew him closer in his arms, so that the boy almost completely disappeared in his embrace.

After calming down somewhat they buried Albidaya, and Alain insisted on patching up the scratch Khajul had gotten, as he was not convinced that the kitten was fully free of disease.