Him? [JesBible]

7 [The Unexpected Visitor]

The morning sun streamed through the windows of Bible’s cat café, casting warm golden rays across the cozy space. The sound of gentle purring and soft meows filled the air as Bible busied himself, preparing for another day of welcoming customers. Today felt different, though; there was a flutter of anticipation in his chest, fueled by the memory of Jet's unexpected visit.

He was arranging the cat toys on the shelves when the bell above the door jingled, signaling the arrival of a customer. Bible glanced up, and his breath caught in his throat as he recognized the girl who had accompanied Jet the other night. She stepped into the café, a bright smile lighting up her face, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Hi there! I’m back!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

“Hi! Welcome back!” Bible replied, forcing a smile despite the slight flutter of nerves in his stomach. “What brings you here today?”

“I came to see the cats again,” Baifern said, glancing around with wide eyes. “I can’t stop thinking about adopting one! Jet mentioned this place was special, and I had to check it out myself.”

Bible’s heart raced at the mention of Jet. “That’s great! We have some adorable kittens and cats looking for homes. Did you have any specific ones in mind?”

“Actually, I saw a little tabby last time that I just can’t stop thinking about,” she admitted, biting her lip in anticipation. “I think I might be ready to take the plunge and adopt!”

“Let me show you,” Bible said, leading her through the café toward the back where the cats played and lounged in their cozy nooks. “This way, we can see if she’s still available.”

As they walked, Baifern began to chat animatedly about her life and her love for animals, her voice warm and inviting. Bible listened intently, enjoying the distraction from his own thoughts. She seemed genuinely passionate about finding the right cat, and her enthusiasm was contagious.

“Do you come here often?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation flowing as they approached the playful tabby curled up in a sunbeam.

“Not until now! I just moved to the area a few weeks ago,” she replied, her eyes lighting up as she spotted the cat. “I wanted to get settled before I adopted a furry friend. What about you? You’ve been here for a while?”

“Yeah, I’ve owned this café for a couple of years now,” he said, pride swelling in his chest. “It’s my little haven. I love being able to care for the cats and help them find good homes.”

“That’s amazing! I can tell you really love it here,” Baifern said, crouching down to gently stroke the tabby. The cat purred loudly, leaning into her touch. “I think she might be the one.”

Watching her interact with the cat, Bible felt a warmth spreading through him. There was something refreshing about her energy, a stark contrast to the heaviness that had weighed on him since Jet’s visit.

As she continued to pet the tabby, Bible couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for still being so affected by Jet’s presence. He was here, engaged in a genuine moment with a potential cat owner, yet the memory of Jet lingered like a shadow in the back of his mind.

“So, what do you think?” he asked, trying to steer the focus back to the cat. “Do you think she’ll fit in with your home?”

Baifern nodded, her face lighting up. “Definitely! I can already picture her lounging on my couch, keeping me company. I think she’s perfect.”

“Great! If you’re ready, we can get started on the adoption paperwork,” Bible said, feeling a sense of fulfillment. Helping her find the right cat felt good, like a step in the right direction.

As they walked back to the front counter, Baifern suddenly turned serious. “Hey, I just wanted to ask… do you know Jet well?”

Bible’s heart raced at the mention of Jet. “Um, we just met, actually,” he said, trying to keep his tone casual.

“Oh, really? He’s such a great guy! I’ve known him for a while now,” she said, a knowing smile on her face. “He’s been through a lot, you know? I just hope he’s found some happiness here.”

Bible nodded, the weight of her words settling heavily in the pit of his stomach. He didn’t want to dwell on Jet’s past, not now—not when everything felt so new and uncharted. “Yeah, I hope so too.”

Once they finished the adoption paperwork and prepared the tabby’s supplies, Baifern stood up, holding the cat carrier with a look of pure joy. “Thank you so much for all your help! I can’t wait to take her home!”

“Of course! I’m glad you found your new friend,” Bible replied, feeling a genuine smile tugging at his lips.

As she walked toward the door, she turned back and hesitated for a moment. “Oh, and if you see Jet around, tell him I said hi! I think he’d love to know I adopted a cat.”

“Will do,” Bible said, a mix of emotions swirling within him as she stepped out of the café.

Once she was gone, he leaned against the counter, allowing himself a moment to breathe. The encounter had been refreshing but also bittersweet. Thoughts of Jet flitted through his mind again—his laugh, his warmth, the way he seemed so familiar yet so distant.

As the café quieted down, Bible wondered if he would see Jet again. Would their paths cross in the hallways of their building, or would their interactions continue to feel like brief glimpses into an unfolding story that he couldn’t quite grasp?

He hoped for another chance, but with it came a flurry of emotions he wasn’t sure how to handle. The day had been a step forward, but the longing for connection remained—a quiet ache that would not easily fade.