Gia turned on the radio, filling the car with today’s top hits as she navigated to Willowbrook Depot, the town’s major shopping center. She made a mental list of the supplies they needed. Gia parked and faced Marley with a little smile.
“Let’s hope they have what we need.”
Marley nodded with an answering smile on her face, but did not make a move to get out of the vehicle. She appeared lost in thought.
“Ready?” Gia said softly, breaking Marley out of her melancholy thoughts. Gia smiled tightly. Something haunted Marley, and she vowed to do whatever she could to make her smile brightly again. Marley offered a small smile as she opened the car door.
After rounding the car, Gia met Marley on the sidewalk.
“All right, let’s catch a cat.”
They strode into the store side by side. The automatic doors slid open with a whoosh. The cool air felt refreshing against the humidity.
Gia led the way through the aisles as she headed to their destination. Marley followed closely behind her. She’d walked these aisles for years when she was Marley’s age, and could probably do it with her eyes closed.
Despite the time she’d been away, not much had changed about Willowbrook, and she doubted they rearranged the aisles often. Gia headed to the back corner, where they found the pet care aisle.
“Aha!” Gia exclaimed triumphantly.
Gia scanned the aisle, looking at her options before stopping in front of a section of animal carriers.
“How big did you say this cat was?” she asked over her shoulder.
“Um… It looked pretty small, but I’ve never seen it up close.” A small frown marred Marley’s features.
Gia tapped a finger on her mouth as she examined the various sizes. “Hmm… Let’s get the bigger size just in case.”
“What do we need it for?” Marley questioned.
“To catch a cat, we need a good trap.”
“But… how do you plan on getting it in there?” Marley sidled up to Gia as she crouched to reach the carrier.
“Great question.” Gia picked up the largest carrier by its handle and continued down the aisle with it swinging at her side. Marley’s sneakers squeaked on the linoleum as she hurried behind her.
“We need treats to lure it in, and then once it’s inside, we shut it closed. Voilà! Mission accomplished.”
Gia’s gaze found its next target. The large array of pet food stared back at her. She gestured absentmindedly at the rows of canned cat food and treats. Gia had never had a cat before, so she wasn’t sure what flavors to pick.
Do cats like chicken or beef? Why do cats eat beef?What about salmon or tuna?
There were way too many options. Instead of overthinking it, Gia grabbed several cans of food, a container of treats, and some colorful pouches.
“W-wait,” Marley stammered. Gia paused, hand in mid-air as she turned to look at Marley. “I can’t… I can’t buy all of that.”
“Oh, this isn’t for you. This is for me.” Gia returned her attention back to the assortment of treats in front of her, not missing the way Marley’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I’ve always wanted a cat, so this is the perfect excuse.”
“Here, let me hold the carrier open for you.” Marley took the crate from Gia.
“Oh, good idea. We can stuff it full of treats.”
Marley stood silently holding the crate while Gia shoved it full of the treats and cat food.
“I don’t think one cat will eat that much food…”
“Well, what if it doesn’t like chicken? Maybe it likes beef flavor instead? Or what if it’s a fancy cat and wants the fanciest brand? We can’t be sure, so it’s better to be prepared.”
Gia stooped to grab the fish-flavored cans.
