352 Kitten Troubles
+25 BONUS
352 Kitten Troubles
(Winona)
The sun’s setting as we make our way back to Gus’s mansion. Viktor walks beside me, his quiet presence. seeming to keep the kids in check as they walk just in front.
I push Henry in his pram. Maybe they are all worn out after–all.
Bobby is walking behind us, carefully carrying the kitter he found. It’s curled up in his arms, purring contently. I can tell he’s already attached, and that’s probably going to be a problem.
Jayden has never been a fan of pets. I’m not sure how this will go.
The mansion looms ahead, grand and overwhelming. I hope Jayden will be back soon.
I glance over at Viktor. “I’m still not comfortable with how far apart everything is in the house. The kids‘ rooms are nowhere near us. What if they need something in the middle of the night?”
He nods, understanding. “The staff will be very watchful, and there are monitors you can turn on in each room. You’ll be able to hear them, even if they’re far away.”
“That helps,” I admit. But the truth is, I don’t like it. It still feels too… disconnected. Too formal. But I don’t want to overthink it and ruin the first night after things were touchy with Jayden earlier.
We finally reach the house, and the staff are waiting to help get the kids settled. I thank Viktor for coming with us,
and he says goodnight, heading to his quarters for the evening.
I guide the kids to the bathroom and bedrooms upstairs, getting the girls bathed and tucked into bed. Abby and Sarah fall asleep almost immediately.
But Bobby, of course, is still wide awake, sitting on his bed with the kitten curled up beside him.
“Jayden will be home soon,” I tell him gently, smoothing his hair back. “You come and wait with me. We really need to see about a bed for the cat and toileting. I’m not sure what we can get at short notice.”
“I hope he lets me keep him,” Bobby says quietly, his eyes full of hope.
I smile, though inside, I’m not sure how this will go. “We’ll talk to him when he gets back. But right now you need to try and ask the staff here about some supplies.”
“I will.”
I finish tucking Henry into his crib in the main sitting room, and soon enough, I hear footsteps. He’s finally home. I stand by the door as he walks in, looking tired but relieved to see us.
“Hey,” he greets me, giving me a quick kiss before turning to Bobby. “What’s up, buddy? You waiting for me?
Bobby’s face lights up as he holds up the kitten. “Can I keep him? Please?”
Jayden’s smile fades slightly as he looks at the kitten, then at Bobby. “A kitten? Here?”
“Bobby found him in the bush but we’ve agreed he has to try and find its owner or perhaps a mother cat.”
“Right. Um….well, animals are hard work.”
+25 BONUS
1 know,” Bobby says.
“You have no clue Jayden shakes his head
“But he could learn if he had the chance. It could be good for him,” I counter.
Tm not sure it’s a good idea. Maybe we can find a place to surrender it tomorrow.”
Bobby’s face falls
Before anyone can say anything more, the kitten suddenly springs to life, darting across the room and leaping onto a side table. With one swift move, it knocks over a vase, which crashes to the floor,
shattering into pieces
Bobby goes after it and scoops the kitten back up. “I’m so sorry. I’ll be more careful taking care of him.” “This is exactly what I was worried about Jayden exclaims, his voice sharp. “We can’t have pets in this house, not with all this stuff around. I’ve got enough to worry about.”
Bobby’s face crumples, and he clutches the kitten tighter. “It’s not fair!” he shouts, tears welling up in his eyes. T’ve been dragged over here! Left all my new friends… And now I can’t even have a kitten? It’s not the kitten’s fault! I hate it here.”
Jayden runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. “Bobby, I didn’t mean-”
But it’s too late. Bobby storms out of the room, the kitten still in his arms.
I turn to Jayden, my own frustration rising. “Seriously, Jayden? It’s just a vase. Was that really necessary?”
“That vase is worth thousands.”
7 don’t care. Bobby is worth more.”
Jayden sighs, rubbing his forehead. “I didn’t mean to lose my temper. I just–I’m not into pets, you know
that.
I cross my arms, trying to keep my voice calm but firm. “Bobby’s dealing with enough right now. Yelling at him over a vase isn’t helping. I think this cat could be good for him.”
Jayden’s shoulders slump, and he nods. “I’ll talk to him.”
He heads down the hall after Bobby, and I let out a breath, the tension still thick in the air. I glance the room, taking in everything.
e around
I make a decision. I call for the staff and start giving instructions. “Pack away all the breakable things. Anything delicate needs to be stored somewhere safe until we’re settled. Including the artworks.” The staff move quickly, gathering up vases, figurines, and anything else that looks like it could be knocked over or broken. As they work, I feel a small sense of relief.
At least the kids won’t have to tiptoe around this place anymore.
Jayden comes back a few minutes later, his face soft with regret. “I apologized to Bobby”
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