She snuggles into my neck, her tiny body warm and trusting. I giggle—an actual giggle. I can’t remember the last time I laughed like that. Pure, uncomplicated joy. I look at Keric. He’s watching me with those dark eyes, his expression soft.
“Keric.” My voice comes out hopeful, a little nervous. “Can we take her home? Right now?”
I watch his face carefully because I truly understand this is a big ask. He looks doubtful at first, like he’s trying to be practical.The kitten chooses that moment to try climbing up my shoulder, tiny claws catching on my sweater.
“Please? I promise I won’t take this lightly. I understand that this is a lifetime commitment, not just me looking after an animal for a few days or weeks. I don’t know, it just seems right. Like this was meant to be. Can we please take her back to the cabin to live with us?”
Keric seems to waver. “I’ve never had a pet,” he admits. “Loki wasn’t my dog, he was Garlen’s. And I don’t know how to take care of a cat.”
“I don’t know what to do perfectly either. We can learn together.” My eyes plead behind my glasses.
Rothgar watches our exchange with a slight smile on his grumpy face. “The female wants the cat, Keric. Are you really going to say no?”
Keric looks between me and the kitten.
I hold my breath.
I can see the exact moment he caves.
He sighs. Sounds defeated but I can see warmth in his eyes. “Fine. We’ll take her.”
I light up. “Really?”
“Really. But you’re responsible for her.”
I nod eagerly. “Of course. Thank you, Keric.” I practically vibrate with happiness.
Rothgar approves. “Good. I’ve even got some supplies for you to get started with. Hold on.” He disappears into the cabin while I cuddle my new kitten. I can’t stop smiling. Can’t stop petting her soft fur.
When Rothgar returns Keric gathers all the supplies while I keep the kitten. No way am I putting her down. She’s staying right here against my heart where she belongs.
Rothgar grunts. “Take care of her.”
“We will,” Keric promises.
I can hear the sincerity in his voice.
We wave goodbye and walk back to the vehicle. I glance at Keric from the corner of my eye. He’s being so careful with all the supplies, making sure nothing spills or breaks as he loads them into the back of the vehicle, already taking care of our kitten’s things.
Our kitten.
I love how that sounds.
I keep her snuggled in my arms as he drives us away from Rothgar’s and back to our own cabin. “We need to name her,” I say.
Keric glances at me. “You choose. She’s yours.”
“I may have picked her out and agreed to be the main provider, but she’sourkitten,” I correct.
He exhales. “Alright. What do you want to name her?”
I look down at the grey kitten in my arms. She’s small but brave. Curious but needs protection. Like Alice lost in Wonderland. “What about Dinah?”
“Dinah? I’ve never heard that type of human name before.”
“It’s a character’s name from a famous book. The original Dinah was Alice’s cat inAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It’s a famous children’s book that’s actually Victorian literature—my specialty, actually.” I’m rambling now but I can’t help it. “Alice talks about Dinah constantly throughout the story. Dinah represents home, comfort and safety, everything Alice wants to get back to while she’s lost.”
I don’t tell him this part, but I’ve secretly considered myself to be living like Alice for the last three years, lost in a nightmare wonderland, running from dangers that made no sense and trying to get home. Except I never quite knew what “home” was. My eyes start to feel hot and watery. Maybe I’ve found a home, here, with Keric. With this little grey kitten named Dinah.
