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Anna Beth was still processing her aunt’s moment of vulnerability when Sarah handed the kitten off to Anna Beth. “I’m going to run next door and see if my neighbors have some canned food. I know they have a couple cats, but not sure what they feed them.”
“Thank you. I know this isn’t what you expected and I appreciate your help.”
Sarah stroked the kitten’s head and the baby cat leaned into the touch. A low purr rumbled out of the little body and Sarah smiled.
“I have a feeling she’s going to be fine. You’re a hero. Not everyone would have stopped in a snowstorm to save a cat.” Sarah patted Anna Beth’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”
Sarah’s kind words left Anna Beth speechless and as she watched her aunt kick off her high heeled shoes for a pair of snow boots, she wanted to ask Sarah about the changes in her, but fear held her back.
When the front door closed behind her, Anna held the kitten against her chest and rubbed her hand along her body, tears blurring her vision. A lump caught in her throat and she tried to swallow past it, but her emotions were too much to slow the tidal wave of sobs. The last thing she wanted was for Sarah to come back and catch her bawling just because she’d said she was proud of her.
Anna Beth used the edge of the towel to dry her face. As if she knew Anna Beth needed it, the kitten stretched up and rubbed her head along Anna Beth’s chin.
She laughed wetly. “Well, aren’t you sweet.” Anna Beth picked her up and held her in front of her face for a moment. “I think she’s right. You’re going to be fine.”
Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she put the kitten back in her lap before she pulled it out with one hand. It was a text from Jared.
Did you make it home okay?
She sent a response while the kitten nudged her head against her hands, demanding attention.
Yes, you’ll never believe what happened.
Anna Beth held the kitten up and took a cheesy selfie. It wasn’t noticeable that she’d been crying, so she sent it to him.
Isn’t she cute?
I’m more of a dog person, but she’s alright. ;)
He sent back a cheesy picture of him with his Scooby ornament.
Anna Beth laughed and the kitten looked up at her with narrowed eyes, as if she disapproved of the joke. “I think you're more than alright.”
She positioned the kitten like a baby against her chest. It was the first time she noticed the kitten’s paws were huge and shaped like lobster claws. Or mittens. Her phone vibrated again and she checked the message.
You’re an angel for saving her.
Her aunt said something similar, and while Sarah’s words had rocked her emotionally, the simple compliment from Jared gave her butterflies.
Her aunt burst through the door and walked into the living room, her hair covered by a thin layer of snow. She swiped at it with one hand and frowned at the trail of wet footprints behind her. “I’ll have to mop that later.”
“I can do it once we get her situated,” Anna Beth offered.
“Either way.” Sarah pulled two cans from her pocket and held them up with a smile. “I got a couple cans to tide us over until the storm lets up. I’m hoping it stops snowing in the morning, but I got an alert on my cell for a winter storm warning. Just hoping they’re wrong. I’m going to put half of this can on a plate and we’ll feed her in the kitchen.”
Anna Beth took one of the kitten’s paws and waved at her aunt with it. “Did you see her feet? They look like lobster claws.”
She stood up and walked over to her aunt so she could get a closer look. Sarah picked up the kitten’s paws, examining them. “Oh, extra toes. Some cats have them. We’ll have to check to make sure none of the nails are growing back into her pad.”
“I think we should call her Mittens.”
Her aunt patted her hand with a smile. “That’s a wonderful name. Let’s get some food in her.”
Anna Beth followed blindly behind her aunt, her eyes tearing up again. “Sarah?”
She looked up from opening the can. “Yes?”
“Thank you, for everything. I appreciate you.”
