10 Minute Tales

Jun 24 - Feline

He twitched as he woke up, eyes darting open. A quick scan showed that he was still safe, still in his little box in the alley. He stretched with a yawn, cute little fangs showing, and shook himself briskly. The world awaited him! He strode out into the street, the gentle rumble of traffic now sharper, almost confusing. He looked around, nose twitching. It was early, but there were already food vendors, mostly preparing for their trade. He started for the nearest. He was a man with tanned skin and a thick accent, a voice that found no comfort in the English language. He was leaning into his cart as he prepared for the day's business. One sharp meow was all it took to get his attention. The cart owner looked down, and frowned.
"Bah, already you are here with the begging and the mewling! Carlos is not yet ready for the serving of food!"
"Meow?"
"Be away! As cute as you are, I cannot afford to have such a creature devour my wares!" He waved aggressively, but the cat wasn't intimidated. He knew Carlos would cave eventually.
"Mew..."
"Bah!" Carlos growled, throwing his hands into the air. "You are still here with the meowing and the begging? So be it!" He dug a hand into the cart and grabbed a slim tube of meat, throwing it to the cat. "Take this and leave! And may your mother give you fleas, you glorified vermin!" The cat was walking off with his prize before Carlos had gotten to the insult. He had what he wanted, and he was heading back to his box to eat it.
———
He was devouring the last part of his reward when a clattering sound disturbed his meal. He looked up and saw a young woman kneeling down, grabbing at some curious round stones.
"No, no, mum's going to kill me for this...!" He was curious, and approached. She was wearing a dark coat and black leggings, scrabbling as the stones rolled away. One rolled towards him. He mewled and batted at it. It rolled away. Prey! He followed it, batting it again and again, until he was out of the alley again. The lady looked over. "Huh? Oh, did you get this for me, little guy?"
"Mew..." he felt something he hadn't felt for a while. Hesitation. Should he run?
"Oh, look at your pretty black fur." She smiled, reaching a hand out for him. He tensed, but sniffed her hand. It didn't smell like food, but something more... floral. "No collar? Oh, you poor thing..." she rubbed a hand on the top of his head. That... felt good. He purred quietly and leaned in to the hand. She smiled at the sight. "Do you want to come home with me?"
"Mew?" He blinked, looking up at her.
"Oh, those beautiful eyes...!" She smiled, suddenly moving her hands under him. He backed off, but it was too late; he was being lifted in the air! He was put into another box she was carrying quickly. This one was very soft, and warm from being so close to her. He wasn't comfortable with the idea just yet, but at least it smelt nice. He shuffled as he settled down. Let's see where this goes.