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“I’m listening.” I nod, giving him permission to proceed. Honestly, I’m intrigued to hear what his mind has cooked up this time. Over the years, I’ve learned that his seemingly unorthodox ideas often harbor unexpected wisdom.
“I’ve done the calculations,” he begins, and I have no doubt that he has. Milo’s dedication to thorough research is impressive. “If I give up my Lucky Charms, we can afford kitten food within our grocery budget.”
A pang of mixed emotions courses through me at his words. On one hand, I’m touched by his willingness to sacrifice his favorite treat for the sake of a kitten. On the other, the reality of our circumstances hits me hard. Our lives have come to Milo giving up his cherished snack just to make room for a furry companion.
I sit down on the floor, deliberately lowering myself to eye level. It’s a lesson my father taught me long ago.Never tower over someone during a conversation. Physically and metaphorically, be on their level.
“Milo,” I begin gently, looking into his eyes, “kittens need more than just food. They need visits to the vet, litter, and a litter box, toys, and—”
“I know,” he interrupts with an earnest expression. “I’ve thought about that too. Listen, I’ve calculated the costs, and I’m willing to contribute from my allowance.”
My heart clenches at his determination. Milo’s dedication to this idea is undeniable, and I can see that he’s put a lot of thought into it. His commitment to the wellbeing of this potential kitten is both charming and overwhelming.
“I’ve been saving money,” he says, and I can see the tears welling in his eyes.
I know I’m going to regret this. “I planned to take you to the museum today.”
“We can stay home and save the gas money,” he blurts out, solidifying my split-second decision. This kitten means something to him if he is willing to forgo a trip to the museum. “Please, Lottie. We can use the gas money to buy him a litter box.”
That three hundred dollars in my pocket nearly scorches my skin. “All right.” I cave because I can’t say no to him. I’ll never be able to say no to him.
“Lottie,” he whines, and I know it’s because he was prepared for me to say no. It takes him two seconds to realize I caved. Shock washes across his face, and then he throws himself into my arms. I barely catch him before I fall back on my butt. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” he squeals.
I hug Milo tightly, his presence giving me reassurance that we’re in this together. He may not fully grasp the extent of the sacrifices I’ve made for him, but that’s okay. He’s my brother, and I’d move mountains to keep him safe and happy.
“Hey, Milo,” I whisper, pulling back slightly. His expression is a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, and I know he’s bracing for news that could turn his world upside down.
I retrieve the paperwork from my back pocket, my hands trembling slightly as I hand it over to him. He reads through it diligently, his brow furrowing as he processes the words. Milo’s intelligence never ceases to amaze me. He’s the reason we’ve come this far. He convinced me to delve into law books, research lawyers, and ultimately get the legal representation we needed. Milo found us a lawyer through a special program all on his own.
His eyes water as he reads the words that secure our future and give us the stability we’ve yearned for. “I don’t have to leave?” he asks, his voice shaky. His little body radiates both relief and disbelief, and he tosses the paperwork aside before lunging into my arms. My heart swells as he clings to me, his sobs muffled by my shoulder.
“It’s just us, Milo,” I assure him, my voice thick with emotion. “You and me forever.”
We’ve endured a tumultuous journey over the past six years, fighting for our bond against all odds. I’ve weathered every challenge, every doubt, for the sake of this remarkable little boy who means the world to me. It’s been a journey of scars and healing, one that forged an unbreakable connection between us.
The soft sound of scratching at the door draws our attention. Milo looks at me with a shy grin, and I can’t help but smile. “Do you want to meet him?” he asks, his excitement palpable.
“Of course,” I reply, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead before stretching to open the door. On the other side is the tiniest, most adorable fur ball I’ve ever seen. “Oh no,” I mutter, both amused and resigned. It doesn’t take long for my resolve to crumble in the face of such irresistible cuteness. Even if I hadn’t already folded, the sight of that kitten would have sealed the deal.
Bright blue eyes peer at me with curiosity, and his white fur stands up everywhere, looking like he got electrocuted. He releases a little meow that, well… I’m a goner.
“Did you name him?” I ask Milo as the little ball of fur bounds over to my brother and hops into his lap.
“Albert.” He holds him up so he can look at him at eye level. “Like Albert Einstein.”
“Fitting.” I rub behind his little ears, watching them twitch. “Where did you find him?” A spike of worry worms in. Milo is already attached to this little guy. Kittens are a dime a dozen around here with the local corn fields. However, they are barn cats, and this little guy looks like a kitten someone would want to keep.
“In the garage,” he answers quickly. “I went to find my bike to ride with Simon, and there he was.”
“Did Simon see him?” Jani would have known about the kitten if he did. No doubt she would have had something to say.
“No.” Milo shakes his head, his face twisting up in irritation. “I told him I didn’t feel good and made him go home, then I snuck Albert inside.” Once again, he looks at the kitten while Milo’s face twists in thought.
“What are you thinking, kiddo?” I poke him in the shoulder, my mind already wandering to the pet store down the street.
Did I leave a window open? Can Albert get out?
“Do we need to get him life insurance?” Milo asks, dropping the purring creature in his lap.
