Formula 1 | One Shots (1)

The Bolter | Max Verstappen

Authors Note: This storyline was requested by: _seria1s_  

Done in reader POV 🐈  
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I'm on my front porch, watering the row of flowers I planted just last month. Tulips and a few daisies are finally coming into full bloom, their bright colors instantly cheering me up. I've finally had a day off to spend the day in my small garden and I love nothing more than doing it on a warm summer's day. 

As I turn to move to the next planter, something catches my eye, a blur of movement at the edge of the porch steps. Then, just past the first step, a cat appears. It's slightly small, dark and with brown stripes on it. Its big green eyes dart around nervously and its body is crouched low, almost like it's ready to bolt away.

I freeze mid step, water still pouring from my watering can. I don't want to scare it off. Slowly, I stop the water and set the can down beside me. "Hi sweet baby," I whisper softly. "Where did you come from?"

The cat doesn't move, its eyes locked on me like it's trying to decide if I'm a threat. My heart aches a little...there's something so vulnerable about the way it hesitates, like it's been lost or hurt. Carefully, I kneel down on the porch, lowering myself to its level. I stretch out a hand, palm up, still leaving a bit of space between us.

"It's okay. I won't hurt you, sweetie."

The cat doesn't move at first, its tail twitching slightly. For what feels like forever, we stay like that...me kneeling on the wooden porch, hand outstretched and the cat standing frozen on the steps. Then, inch by inch, it begins to move cautiously. 

My heart beats faster, but I stay perfectly still, watching as it closes the distance between us. When it's just a foot away, it pauses again, sniffing the air in my direction. "You're doing great," I whisper. "Almost there."

Finally, it steps close enough that its head brushes against my fingertips. The first touch is still cautious. I stay still, letting it decide how much contact it wants. Then, as if it's made up its mind, the cat leans in fully, pressing the top of its head against my hand.

"Oh, you're so brave," I whisper and I giggle a little as it starts to nuzzle me more. Its fur is soft, but tangled and I can feel the faint bumps of its ribs beneath the thin layer of fluff. I wonder how long it's been since the cat has eaten. Gently, I stroke the top of its head with my fingers, scratching lightly between its ears.

The cat closes its eyes for a moment, leaning into my touch as if it's been starved for affection. My heart swells. "You're a sweetheart, aren't you?" I say softly. "You must have had a tough time out there."

We stay like that for a while and I don't move, not wanting to scare it off. The cat seems content now, rubbing against my hand and even giving a little purr. Eventually, it sits down right at my feet, curling its tail around itself, as if it's decided this is a safe spot. For a moment, I hesitate, unsure if I should try to pick it up. But something about the way it nuzzled me earlier gives me confidence. Slowly, carefully, I scoop the cat up into my arms.

As I hold it against me, I can feel its bony frame beneath its soft fur. It doesn't struggle, just lets out a soft, little meow. "Let's see if you've got someone looking for you," I say, holding it gently.

I run my fingers around its neck, hoping...and there it is. A collar. The tag is slightly scratched, but I can still make out the name engraved on it, Sassy. Under the name is a phone number. 

Thank god.

"Well, Sassy," I say with a smile, stroking her gently behind the ears. "Let's see if we can get you back home."