Kitty

Epilogue

I roll over in bed and stare lazily at my beautiful husband. The sunlight peeking through the bedroom window lies on his face and entrances me closer to him. His milk-tea skin glows, and I have trouble finding any blemish in it.

He's too perfect.

"Morning, babe," He says huskily, his morning voice music to my ears.

"Morning," I chirp back, giving him a peck on those gorgeous lips of his and sliding the sheet back. I slide out of bed, stretching as I walk to our kitchen to get breakfast.

It's been 4 years since I met him, and we couldn't be happier. We both got part time jobs to save money during high school, and moved out as soon as we earned enough, and graduated. Now we live in a fairly decent city apartment close enough to the University we attend.

College is a lot different from high school, we soon found out. More freedom, more work. But we do fine, and our relationship hasn't been affected by the stress too much.

I carry two bowls of cereal to the table in our connected living room. I think of our apartment as very open, for only the bathroom and bedroom aren't open to the rest of the house.

I sit down on the small sofa, grabbing the remote and flicking the news on. As soon as I reach for my bowl of cereal, I see a gray figure trot in with her tail raised in the air, letting out a quick meow before jumping up next to me.

"I swear, cat, touch my food and I will put you back on the curb we found you on." I threaten, raising my food out of her reach.

"Leo, did I hear you bullying Mouse again?" My partner says, scooping the spoiled cat up and cuddling her as he sits down on the couch.

I avoid his gaze, staring at the news and stuffing a spoonful of cereal in my mouth.

He chuckles, setting Mouse down and helping himself to his own bowl of cereal.

My attitude never changed from my teen years.

🌷🌷🌷

I leave work around 7, smiling to myself as I head to the grocery store.

Today is Jay's 22nd birthday, and I want to make it extra special.

But first, cat food and a gallon of milk. After getting the necessities, I head over to the floral section and search for his favorite flower. Tulips.

I find a single bouquet in the very back, pink and orange tulips mingling together in a pretty pattern.

I lay them in the basket, moving on to the cake section.

🌷🌷🌷

"I'm hoooome," I call out, shutting the apartment door behind me. Mouse runs up and threads between my legs, mewing happily.

"Hi girl," I say sweetly, stooping down to pet her with my free hand.

She purrs, rubbing her head against my hand.

I know she likes Jay more than me, but I don't mind. After all, I'm Jay's favorite cat.

For the next half-hour, I decorate the apartment with everything I bought at the store. I finish quickly, knowing he'll be home shortly.

I step back, admiring my hard work. Balloons dance in the entryway, Mouse playing with the strings holding them down.

His favorite flowers and cake are on the table, candles stuck crookedly in the chocolate cake. Streamers hang from the table edges, adding a pop of color to our usually dull room.

And last of all, our bed sheets are fresh. That's one thing I was excited to enjoy.

I turn around when I hear the turn of a key in the lock, nervously awaiting for his reaction. As soon as he comes in, I see his face turn from one of exhaustion and stress to surprised and happy.