Chapter 5

Monday morning, before heading to work, I followed my usual routine—refilling their food and changing their water.

Muffin perched on the cat tree, watching me. Sunny sat by the door, wagging his tail.

Sunny said, "Make it back early, okay?"

"Don't work yourself to tears again," Muffin added.

I slung my bag over my shoulder. "Take care of yourselves while I'm gone."

As I closed the door, I heard one last line from inside.

Sunny said, "I'm gonna miss her."

Muffin replied, "Yeah."

I paused at the door and smiled.

The elevator arrived, and I stepped inside. In the mirror,…