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“James Pleiades Hawkins!”
It didn’t matter how old her son got, Mom Voice never went away. And bringing home yet another stray, bedraggled animal most certainly invoked Mom Voice.
“But mom, she’s hurt.” Jim held up the tiny kitten in one hand, his voice filled with a plea for empathy. “Just until her leg recovers?”
Sarah pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a long sigh. “Just until her leg recovers.”
It was a mistake. She knew it was a mistake. But how could she say no to her son? To that little boy - now a man - that had always had such a big heart. And that knew how to manipulate hers.
Jim’s face had lit up in that same, brilliant smile he used to get as a little kid. “Thanks mom.” Her baby boy always knew he’d win when it came to cute animals. Still, it was nice to be thanked.
“See kids?” He turned to look down at his own children. “I told you Grandmom would take care of the kitten. Now come in and give her a kiss, I’ll tell B.E.N. you’re here.”
Sarah sat by her bedroom window, her eyes fixed on a distant star as she relieved memories. It had been ten years now since that fateful morning. Nine years and nine months since the kitten was supposed to move out. Slowly her hand ran down the back of a thin, spoiled tabby.
“Well, Andromeda, I suppose he knew this would happen.” Sarah sighed. She knew her beloved cat couldn’t understand her, but Andromeda chirped up at her as if she did anyway. Slowly the aging woman worked her fingers under the cat’s chin to scratch at just the right spot. “Though I suppose I don’t mind too much.”