Chapter 31

When I got home, I scooped up Bessie, my five-year-old cat, as I walked into the kitchen.

“Mrrow,” she purred as I put her down and refilled her water and kibble bowls.

“Yeah, I know. You’re hungry and your human is trying to starve you.” Of course, she ignored me in favor of nourishment.

“You’re welcome, fur ball,” I muttered as I grabbed a root beer from the fridge and headed to the bedroom, where I drank it down in between stripping naked. There were books everywhere in my room, stacks that teetered with half-read tomes that called to me, even this early in the morning. I was too tired, though.

I took a hot shower, brushed my teeth and finally settled into bed, falling asleep within minutes.

When I awoke, the sunlight was blinding as it poured through the white curtains covering my windows. I rubbed my eyes and sat up as Bessie moved from her customary spot at the foot of the bed. She crawled up my body and butted her head under my chin.