𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓.

── .✦ 11

Y/n stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind her, and was met with the soft murmur of the TV. She sniffled a bit, wiping her nose with the sleeve of her cloth. The TV played some news channel or other... Y/n's eyes trailed to see who turned it on. Of course it was her mother. But she didn't seem to be paying any mind to the TV at all. She was sitting at the dining table, absorbed in something Y/n didn't process first because she was distracted by the smell.

There was this rich aroma wafted from the kitchen, the scent of melting cheese and fresh herbs mingling with something else-a quiet purring that seemed to fill the space between the walls with a cozy hum.

Her mother glanced up as she entered, her eyes softer than usual, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Welcome home," she greeted, her voice carrying a warmth that was rare in its softness. "I got a little lazy today, so I'm making pizza for dinner."

Y/n was surprised.

"Dinner...?" she whispered under her breath in disbelief. She didn't think that her mom made dinner yet again.

Y/n's gaze then drifted over to the creature curled contentedly on the table-a plump, chocolate-and-caramel British Shorthair with markings like a melted swirl of cocoa and cream. The cat was loafed in perfect form, eyes half-closed as her mother's hand moved rhythmically over its back, and its tail flicked lazily, an elegant pendulum of fur. Y/n got curiousn. So she went closer.

The moment she took a step closer, though, the cat's eyes opened, its black pupils narrowing as it studied her with a look that almost felt like acknowledgment.

"This is Pochi," her mother explained, her hand pausing on the cat's soft fur. "I met an old woman at the market today who couldn't keep her anymore. Her son has allergies, and she was desperate to find her a new home." There was a trace of sadness in her mother's voice, a glint in her eyes that made Y/n pause. She hadn't seen her mom this...gentle in a long time.

Hanging her coat on the rack, Y/n moved closer to the table, reaching out tentatively. Pochi's black eyes met hers with a blink so slow it felt like a whispered hello. Without hesitation, the cat rose, stretching luxuriously before hopping down onto the floor. Y/n felt a flutter of surprise as the cat brushed against her leg, its tail curling around her ankle like a warm scarf as it purred, rubbing its head along her shin. Pochi's purr was rich and deep, and Y/n felt herself relax, tension from the day melting under the soothing rumble.

Y/n's mother watched with a faint smile as Pochi wound around Y/n's legs, almost as if greeting her as a new friend. She let out a contented sigh, her gaze still soft. "She's a sweet girl, isn't she? I didn't realize how nice it was having a cat around. It's nice to have some company."

Y/n crouched down, reaching out a hand, which Pochi immediately accepted with a gentle nuzzle. The cat's fur was unbelievably soft, her body warm as she leaned into Y/n's touch, rubbing her face against Y/n's hand. She felt herself smiling, her mind easing from the whirlwind of thoughts that had plagued her since earlier. There was something grounding, simple, and pure about this little creature.

"She's... adorable," Y/n murmured, scratching behind Pochi's ears as the cat leaned into her hand, purring louder. "Thanks for taking her in, Mom. She suits you."

Her mother laughed softly, a rare, genuine sound. Another surprise.

"Maybe we both need a little softness around here." She stood up, turning toward the kitchen with a quick glance over her shoulder. "Dinner's almost ready-do you mind setting the table?"

Y/n nodded, watching as her mother disappeared into the kitchen. Pochi followed her with a curious gaze, then padded back to Y/n, circling her legs once more before curling up in a cozy spot near the heater. There was an ease in the air now that she hadn't felt in ages-a softness she hadn't even realized she missed.