{C-7-A}

With cat-like reflexes, you swiftly open the carrier’s gate, jump in and push Neko-chan back. Your leg hits the gate and it remains open.

The pet shop owner rushes toward the door and trips over the open gate, dropping the reflective box. It shatters, scattering shards all over the place, and you cover up Neko-chan to shield him from the flying glass.

“Good grief!” the pet shop owner shouts, holding his hands up helplessly as he surveys the mess of silvery shards all over the floor. He kicks the open gate and it slams closed. “Why didn’t this thing fall over? What’s inside?”

The pet shop owner looks down into the crate and falls back, surprised at seeing you in there.

“Neko-chan, who’s your friend?” the pet shop owner asks.

“This is-” Neko-chan starts to reply.

“It doesn’t matter,” the pet shop owner interrupts. “Did you tell your friend you were a great detective before or after you captured yourself for me?”

Neko-chan tries to speak but is interrupted again.

“That carrier suits you well,” the pet shop owner says. “I think I’ll use it for your permanent home.”

“Speaking of home,” you say.

“It’s time to deliver you to your mother,” he says. “She’s reading a book right now.”

“How do you know that?” you ask.

The pet shop owner answers your question by describing what your mom fed you for breakfast and what your room looks like.

“I think it is time for me to go see my mom at the bookstore.” you say.

“I knew you would say that,” the pet shop owner says.

You spend your life hoping to never run into the pet shop owner again.

Destiny Discovered