Page 32 of Monster. Me.

Naturally, Drax has absolutely no intention of putting me back down.

He carries me over to the bed, settles onto it, and places me comfortably on his chest. Then he stares at me with the same soft, enchanted expression I've seen a hundred times before.

People always fall for me.

I'm an amazing cat, not to be too humble…

"Aren't you the cutest creature on the entire planet? Look at you. Such a handsome, handsome, chunky boy."

Every word comes with more petting, more scratches through my fur.

And on Drax’s face, which I'd seen earlier twisted with pain, stress, and exhaustion, I now see something very different. Genuine happiness.

The moment I realize that, I stop regretting this visit entirely.

If I can give him even a few minutes of that feeling, then it was worth it.

I even allow myself to turn on my powerful engine of purring.

Drax looks even more delighted.

"That is a beautiful purr, my cute meatball!"

FENN DRAX

I can't believe my luck. In the middle of this miserable prison, the most beautiful cat I've ever seen has somehow appeared in my room, and he's huge. Truthfully, I'm almost tempted to think he's part lynx. It's hard to tell what breed he is, but he's got those adorable chubby cheeks that British Shorthairs are famous for, and his purr is absolutely delightful. He settles comfortably on my chest and starts kneading me gently with his paws, which is almost unbearably cute.

I run my fingers through his thick auburn fur in slow, affectionate strokes. Those huge mint-green eyes stare back at me from only inches away.

"How on earth did you get in here? Do you belong to one of the staff?"

Naturally, the cat doesn't answer. He just keeps looking at me, occasionally narrowing his eyes the way cats do when they're content. So I continue petting him with steady, confident movements and he rewards me with the sweetness of his purr.

Having him here feels incredible. I've always loved animals, and they've loved me back. They never judged me. My appearance never scared them away.

"Hopefully I'm not getting you into trouble by keeping you here for a little while. It's a shame I don't have any good ham for you. Maybe next time I'll manage to find something if you decide to visit again," I whisper temptingly.

I study him more closely.

Seriously, I've never seen a cat with coloring like this before. Such a rich brown and auburn shade. I've seen orange tabbies and all kinds of patterned cats, but this is completely different.

And those eyes…

Hmm.

A sudden thought slips into my head.

"You know, I met someone recently who had colors a lot like yours. What a coincidence. Auburn hair and these beautiful silvery-green eyes. That's the prettiest combination in the world, you know that? And you've got it too. Lucky guy…"

The cat seems to purr even louder after that.

His paws continue kneading my chest with tireless determination, and it's simply wonderful. I let out a deep sigh.

Why am I thinking about Marlow the whole time I’m petting the chunky cat? It’s almost peculiar how he keeps coming to mind, super persistently.

"I really wish I could see him again, you know. I saw him the other day through a two-way mirror. I wonder if he recognized me, he kinda acted like he knew it was me."

I close my eyes for a moment, feeling a strange, irrational ache in my chest.