Shadow and his unusual tribe try to survive after their old owner disappears, with conflicts and hunger threatening to drive them apart. Relying on friendship and hope to keep them together, they grow closer to each other through memories and struggles. But will their owner ever come back?

Cats Alone

The TV turns off with a spluttering cough. I’m sat with Sophia on the seat of the armchair, so I look to Ruby, the current holder of the TV remote. To my surprise, her eyes are staring right back at me. We share a prolonged look. I’m not sure what she’s thinking, but her face is serious. 


“Why’d you turn the TV off?” Baxter complains from where he is sitting next to Tess, completely ruining the moment. 


“It’s been a long time since Joseph left,” Ruby starts, as Sapphire crosses the armchair to be at her side on the other arm, “and me and Saph—we’ve been thinking.” 


“Joseph will come back.” I know exactly what she’s about to say and part of me doesn’t even want to hear it. Actually saying what we’re all afraid of seems to make it even more real. 


“We all want him to come back, Shadow, but how much longer can we stay here?” 


Chapter Fourteen