It let out another piercing wail, and my heart lurched. It was definitely a kitten. The tiny thing’s gray fur was matted and damp, its body shivering uncontrollably as it cried.
Then it looked up at me, and I held my breath.
Its eyes were shut and crusted over completely.
I scanned the sidewalk, my gaze sweeping the snowbanks, the alleyways, and shadows near the buildings. There were no signs of a mother cat, or any more kittens. It seemed completely on its own.
The kitten screamed, panicked and desperate, but didn’t struggle in Hailey’s grip.
“Is it okay?” Hailey’s voice cracked with concern.
I wasn’t sure she should even be holding it if it was sick—but it let out another powerful wail. With lungs like that, it obviously still had some fight left in it.
I pressed my lips together. “I don’t know.”
Hailey stroked its back. The kitten arched into her touch, going silent for a moment.
I crouched closer. It sniffed the air between us and licked its lips, but its eyes were definitely sealed shut. They were even a bit swollen, bulging beneath the eyelids.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” I murmured.
“Should we take it to the animal doctor?” Hailey asked anxiously.
I nodded and pulled out my phone, searching for the local vet. My heart sank when I saw the hours.
Closed.
I sent a message through their website anyway, fingers flying, and made a mental note to call first thing in the morning.
“They aren’t open until tomorrow.”
“What are we gonna do?” Hailey’s face crumpled. “We can’t leave him here.”
I shook my head. “No. We can’t.”
Snow covered the ground, and the temperature was still dropping. I honestly couldn’t believe the kitten was alive.
I bit my lip, wondering what Roman would think about a mangy little stray coming into the house.
“Come on.” I helped her stand, with the kitten tucked in her arms. “Let’s get him warm.”
I couldn’t leave him there, no matter how Roman felt about it. I guided her back toward my parked car, careful not to let her slip. She nodded fiercely, holding the kitten even tighter as we hurried away from the dark, empty sidewalk.
“Givehimtome,”I instructed, as Hailey and I walked into the warmth of the bed-and-breakfast.
Hailey clutched him defensively.
I softened my expression and crouched down in front of her. “I’m going to take care of him,” I assured her. “But you can help, okay?”
I carefully reached for the kitten. He—or she, I supposed, since we didn’t know which yet—hadn’t cried out once since we got him into the car. Hailey hesitated, then finally relented and handed him over.
I held the little body to my chest. He was still shivering.
“Can you get me a really warm bowl of water and a washcloth?” I asked Hailey.
With one last look at the kitten, she nodded and hurried toward the kitchen.
I straightened and scratched the kitten behind the ear. “Don’t worry,” I murmured, carrying him into the living room. “We’re gonna take care of you.”
