Feline Friend

Decisions

"Have a seat; let's talk."

The words felt ominous. Millie did as she was instructed and sat on the couch beside Miss Hopkins.

"So, Millie, tell me about what has happened since we last spoke," Miss Hopkins said, sipping some tea.

"A lot's happened lately," Millie began. "Tony worked on being able to do a presentation by using me as a practice audience, I accidentally almost stayed out too late and nearly got caught, Tony got sick, he got better, and then today he did his presentation."

"I see. How did he do?"

"Incredibly," Millie said, pride in her voice. "All his practice really paid off. He even finally made friends today!"

Miss Hopkins smiled kindly.

"You seem quite proud of him," she said.

"'Course I am."

"So tell me, what do you think of him?"

Millie thought for a moment.

"I... I've found myself actually—I can't believe I'm saying this—enjoying my time with him," she said.

Miss Hopkins nodded.

"Would you consider him a friend?"

"Maybe? I don't know what makes someone a friend, but I like hanging out with him, even though I can't talk to him." Millie froze. "Is that what friendship is?"

Miss Hopkins laughed lightly.

"I think so. Now then," she stood up, "there's one more thing I'd like to ask you."

"Yeah?"

"Would you like to have your curse lifted?"

Millie's heart skipped a beat as the question sank in. She could finally be free.

"What kind of question is that?" she said. "Of course! That's why I spent all that time with Tony! At first, at least."

Miss Hopkins nodded.

"And you're fine with not seeing Tony again?"

Millie looked down. She didn't want to leave him; he was her only friend. But... she couldn't live like this forever.

"...Yeah."

"You don't sound sure."

Millie locked eyes with Miss Hopkins.

"I'll miss him, but I can't go on living like this forever. I've made up my mind."

"I see. I'll make the remedy, then. You sit tight."

Miss Hopkins went to her kitchen to make another tea—no, potion. Potion tea? Whatever it is, she went to make it.

Minutes later, she returned with a cup of tea. Magic tea. Potion tea. Re-humanizing tea. She set it down on the coffee table, and Millie hopped onto the table and lapped up the substance. She jumped back onto the couch, lest she transform on the table and break something. Miss Hopkins hobbled over to her and placed a hand on her forehead, then recited words in an unknown language. Millie soon slipped into unconsciousness.

~~~

Millie awoke minutes later. She looked at her hands, her legs, her torso, her tail (or rather, lack thereof). She was human again. Millie sighed in relief.

"So, this is all over now?" she asked.

"Yes," Miss Hopkins said, turning to face her. "You're human, now and forevermore."

A smile spread across Millie's face.

"Miss Hopkins?" she said shyly.

"Yes, dear?"

Millie shifted in her seat. She took a deep breath before speaking.

"...Thank you," she said at last. "I'd still be an antisocial jerk if I hadn't met you and Tony."

"Anytime, dear," Miss Hopkins replied.

"Also, I have a question."

"Yes?"

"When we first met, how did you get a picture of Tony? He's certainly not the type to just give his school pictures to random people."

"You're quite observant," Miss Hopkins said. "The truth of the matter is, Tony is my grandson."

"Wait, really?"

Millie straightened up, shocked.

"I would never lie to you, dear Millie. Tony is my one and only grandson."

"Then why didn't you talk to him?"

Miss Hopkins sighed sadly.

"Because I am a witch, Tony's mother forbid me from talking to him. His father—my son—lives elsewhere, training in magic. His wife kicked him out upon discovering his magic."

"That sucks," Millie said. "Also kinda understandable. You could do really creepy or dark stuff with magic. No offense."

"None taken. But that is why I cannot leave. I am an outcast, and I would not be able to hide my witch life for long if I were to befriend people outside. It's as I said when we first met: I live alone by necessity, not desire."

"I see." Millie thought of another thing to ask. "Wait, but that doesn't answer how you got the picture."

"I saw Tony slip it under my front door once. He knows I am his grandmother, but he also knows that he will be in great trouble if he talks to me."

"Makes sense." Millie thought for a moment more. "But if you never talk to him, how'd you know he's lonely?"

"Jerome often watches him."

"Then why not send him?"

"You needed the experience. You yourself said so."

"...That's fair."

Miss Hopkins glanced at the grandfather clock.

"Dear me, I've kept you too long!" she said. "Your mother will be back soon, so you best go on."

Millie stood up.

"I'll talk to you again someday, Miss Hopkins," she said. "If you're okay with it."

Miss Hopkins smiled.

"Of course. You're welcome anytime, dear."

Millie bid farewell to Miss Hopkins and Jerome and left the witch's house, returning to her own.

I can't believe it's really over. Will I be able to talk to Tony as a human? What if I accidentally say something that only cat-me would know? Agh, it's too late for worries. I'll see him tomorrow at school; I can decide what to do then.

Millie laid down in bed and sighed, a smile on her face. Her journey was finally over.