His Kitten

05

|C A I N|

    Emerson took the next day as a sick day. He stayed home and just curled up with Cain all day. Cain was happy, but he was also a little worried. Emerson had been acting a bit strange lately.

    Like how he was now. Jut staring in the mirror. As if he was unfamiliar with his own reflection. As if he was pondering on how he had turned out this way.

     Emerson cleared his threat before looking away. His eyes were rimmed with dark bags as he sat down beside Cain. Cain's tail twirled around Emerson's fingers as he played with it. Emerson's lips quirked up just the tiniest of bits, making Cain feel slightly accomplished.

    "Guess what, buddy?" Emerson asked as he picked Cain up to look him in the eyes.

   Cain meowed, leaning forward and licking Emerson's nose. This earned him a chuckle from his owner.

    "I'm turning 18 tomorrow. You know what that means?" Emerson grinned as Cain tilted his head to the side.

    "It means we get to find ourselves a new home, hopefully closer to the pack house. Finally being adult! And I'm going to be Alpha. Not to mention knowing who my mate is! Yay!"

     Cain was excited too. A new home meant more places to explore! And if Emerson was happy about being a leader and all, then Cain was too. He was a bit bothered about Emerson loving something else more than him, though.

    "You know, I haven't taken you out on a walk in awhile. How 'bout it?" Emerson offered.

     Cain sprung from his arms and ran out of the room. Emerson sat still, waiting for him to come back. And he did, with his fluorescent green leash.

    He dropped it in front of Emerson who attached it to his collar. Cain meowed in anticipation as Emerson pulled on his coat.

    Emerson was practically dragged out the house as Cain yearned to explore it. Emerson laughed as he had to jog to keep up.

    "Let's run, Cain!" Emerson laughed out to his oversized cat.

     Cain and Emerson broke out into a sprint, keeping pace with each other. Cain loved the outdoors, most likely because of his lynx origins. Cain adored the feeling of the wind blowing through his fur.

     Emerson whooped, Cain yowling in response. They finally came to a stop at the entrance to the town, since their house was a bit of a way off.

    Cain panted, his pink tongue hanging out of his mouth. His eyes seemed to glow, their natural hazel color vibrant. He was just so happy. Happy with life. Happy with his freedom. Happy with exploring. Happy with Emerson.

     As Cain and Emerson made their way into town, they were stopped by a a homeless man at the edge of the road. His beard and hair were knotted and frayed, strands of gray hair shining through. Several of his teeth were missing and the ones that were left were a sickening yellow. His clothes were in tatters, barely holding onto his figure.

   The man grabbed Emerson by the shoulders, giving him a shake. A look of despair crossed his face. He was muttering incoherent phrases, only a few that Cain could hear.

     "-they're coming-"
     "-run for your lives-"
     "-help me-"

     Cain pressed himself up against Emerson's ankles, nervous. The hobo was creeping him out.

    "I'm sorry sir, but if you have a problem, I recommend checking in with the police. Okay?" Emerson smiled sweetly at the man.

    The guy nodded, his body shaking. He burst out in a fit of tears before running away. Something about him sent a chill down Cain's back.

     "I hope he gets the help he needs. Come on, Cain. Let's visit the supermarket. Maybe if you give Ms. Betty your kitty face she'll give you some fish, aye?" Emerson tugged on Cain's leash.

    Emerson and Cain wandered the town, stopping here and there. They greeted Ms. Betty and she indeed gave Cain a small piece of cod. Cain chewed on it as Emerson and her spoke to each other.

    "How are you holding up, dear? Taking on being Alpha is a lot to take in..." Ms. Betty's right hand rested on her hip and her left hand leaned against a stand of fresh meat.

     "Surprisingly well, actually. Mr. Mendes treating you right?" Emerson laughed as Ms. Betty's face flushed red.

    "I'll take that as a yes. Is business good?" Emerson glanced at her cart which had a few people looking there way.

    "It's doing just fine. The cows aren't breeding the best this year though. No doubt because of that old bull. I'm going to go into Adams soon and see if I can buy a strong one that doesn't put up a fight," Ms. Betty bred cows, pigs, and chicken. She then butchered them and sold the meet and eggs.

     "Yeah. Well, me and Cain must be going now. Bye Ms. Betty!" Emerson waved as he and Cain headed home.

    Cain jumped into Emerson's arms and snuggled against his chest for the remainder of the walk. It was a cute sight, a teenage boy and his best friend holding each other close...

$$ Sh*t's about to go down, ya'll. Next chapter gonna make you say dafuq? Heehee...$$