Because of the bad weather, our cats have been corralled upstairs in order to let the dogs inside to escape the rain. I heard some meowing, so I went upstairs to hang out with them for a little bit. As I was in there, I heard more meowing, but this time it obviously wasn’t coming from our cats.

I ventured to the backyard, hesitantly. I was slightly worried that a cat would be trapped in a tree or would be torturing yet another dead rat. (I can’t handle a third dead rat. I. Will. Move.)

No cats in the backyard so I finally went to the front yard. There, sitting prettily in the bright sunlight right outside our front door was a tiny kitten. I named her in an instant, of course. Lila froze mid-meow when I opened the door and we had a slight staring match. She looked into my eyes and I felt an instant connection with the pretty tabby kitten.

As I bent down to her level, I made sure to stay a safe distance away so as not to startle her. I gently placed my hand out, patiently waiting for her to scamper over, lick my finger and purr. I was patiently waiting for her to claim me as her human caretaker.

She gave another meow, but this one sounded distinctly like she was terrified of the fact that a stranger opened the door. She bolted before I could even blink.

Stupid Lila. I gave her my heart and she ran away without a second glance. We could have been soul mates.

Miles away, Dan felt a sudden flood of relief, without knowing the reason why.