Now… how can a cat comfort a human again? Claire wondered.
As she tried to recall, memories began to flood back.
It was years ago, during one of the lowest points in her life. So many bad things had happened at once that she felt like she could barely breathe.
Her father—the man she admired most—passed away from a sudden stroke. One day, he was still smiling, laughing, and taking her and her mother out shopping. But then, in the early hours of the next morning, her mother's panicked call woke her. Her father had been hospitalized, his chances of survival terribly slim.
Two days later… he was gone.
It was so sudden that it felt unreal, as if the world had been pulled out from under her feet. Both she and her mother were crushed.
And as if that weren't enough, after his death, people she had thought of as friends, and even some close relatives, turned their backs on the family.
Back then, Claire's dad was extremely wealthy and ran many big businesses. People treated him and his family with respect and admiration, as they tried to maintain a good relationship with the family.
But as soon as he passed away, the masks came off. Certain "trusted" relatives and business partners began moving quickly, transferring ownership papers and shifting investments behind closed doors. Some documents even bore signatures they knew were fake, but couldn't prove it.
There were even rumors that her mother had only married for money, and whispers implying that her father's death was "convenient" for her, as they would do anything to ruin her mother's reputation.
and so, drama after drama… Claire began to feel sick of the world, her trust in people crumbling. Slowly, she withdrew from everyone.
Eventually, her mother moved on.
Claire, in time, managed to find a new job and moved away from home.
…
But from time to time, she would still wake up in the middle of the night, shaken by nightmares. She missed her dad. She missed the warmth of the good old days…
But there was nothing she could do.
All she could do was cry quietly to herself.
Then, one night, as she sat there in tears, a black cat wandered into her room.
It was Charcoal.
Her roommate had gone on vacation and left Charcoal in her care. That was why she had left the door open.
And Charcoal… she didn't know if he could sense her distress, or if he simply wanted some attention, but he padded over to her.
Either way, she suddenly had a warm, furry friend by her side.
He hopped onto her lap, curled up inside it, and meowed softly.
As Claire stroked his fur, he purred and closed his eyes, utterly content.
A small smile bloomed on her face.
And just like that, with Charcoal's quiet company, the night felt a little less lonely… and the world, a little less cold.
Oh no… since I'm already dead, what about Charcoal now?
Probably just fine.
He had automatic food and water bowls, so he'd be okay for at least a week. And luckily, her roommate would be coming back tomorrow.
But to think… her roommate would come home and find Claire's dead and stinky body…
Claire shivered.
Damn… let's not think about that.
I'm very sorry, Vanessa…
Anyway, back to Charcoal.
She loved it when he would come into her room, purring, then nudge his head against her legs as if asking for pets.
Perhaps… this could work too?
Perhaps she could do the same for her master now?
But…
Aaaaaarghhh!
To think that Claire would have to purr at her master and ask for pets?
How… how embarrassing!!!
Her heart suddenly began to beat faster for some reason.
But well… since her master was very, very pretty, and she actually cared deeply about Claire…
Alright… let's do this!
Claire steeled herself. Then she approached Emilia.
____________________
Hmmm… how do I purr again???
"Grrr… grrr…"
Claire tried, but failed!
Turns out, purring wasn't something she could just do on command!
Alright… I'll meow then!
"Meow!!"
"Meow!!"
"Master!"
"Master!" Claire called.
She nuzzled against her master's legs, brushing her head against them.
In an instant, Emilia perked up. From this angle, Claire could see it: Emilia's eyes were red and swollen, her expression utterly drained. But the moment she saw Claire, a faint chuckle escaped her lips… followed by a small smile.
"Pet me!" Claire demanded with another meow. "You'll feel better!"
"Hey… you want a pet?" Emilia asked, still smiling.
"Yes!"
Claire meowed again and stretched up on her hind legs, reaching toward her.
And so, Emilia extended her hand and began to slowly stroke Claire's fur, her touch gentle and warm.
....
A few minutes later…
Oh shit…
Dammnnnnn!
Claire was purring.
Actually purring!
Prrrrrrr…
Prrrrrrr…
She couldn't help it—her master's petting skills were out of this world!
Emilia's fingers slid through her fur in slow, gentle strokes, sometimes scratching lightly behind her ears, sometimes rubbing that magical spot under her chin that made her whole body melt. Every pass of her hand sent a warm, tingly wave down Claire's spine, making her want to just flop over and stay there forever.
And just as Claire expected, Emilia's face looked brighter now!
She was definitely less sad.
Hehehehe!
Claire felt so proud of herself.
"Mmm… you're so good," Emilia murmured with a soft smile. "You're the chillest kitty I've ever met."
She chuckled. "My friend's magical cat always scratches people when they try to pet her. Can't wait for you to meet her."
Claire's ears perked up at that.
Oh? Another magical cat?
A spark of excitement lit up inside her.
She wondered… now that she was a cat herself, could she actually talk to other cats?
Would they understand her?
The thought alone made her tail twitch in curiosity.