Now… how does a cat comfort a human again? Claire wondered.
As she tried to recall, memories from years ago began to surface—memories from one of the lowest points of her life. So many bad things had happened all at once that she had felt like she could barely breathe.
Her father—the man she admired most—had passed away from a sudden stroke. Just the day before, he had still been smiling, laughing, taking her and her mother out shopping as if life would go on forever. But in the early hours of the next morning, a panicked call from her mother jolted her awake. Her father had been rushed to the hospital, his chances of survival slim.
Two days later… he was gone.
It was so sudden, so cruel, that it felt unreal, like the ground itself had been pulled out from under her. Both she and her mother were devastated.
And as if that heartbreak weren't enough, what followed was even worse. People she had thought of as friends, and even some of her closest relatives, turned their backs on the family.
Her father had been a wealthy man, running several successful businesses. While he lived, people treated him and his family with warmth and respect, eager to maintain good relations. But the moment he passed, the masks slipped. Certain "trusted" relatives and business partners moved quickly, transferring ownership papers, seizing assets, and twisting contracts behind closed doors.
There were even cruel rumors: whispers that her mother had only married for money, or worse—that her father's death was somehow "convenient" for her mother. Anything, it seemed, to ruin her mother's reputation and tear down what was left of their dignity.
Drama piled on top of drama until Claire felt sick of the world. Her trust in people crumbled. Slowly, she withdrew from everyone.
In time, her mother found a way to move forward. And eventually, Claire too managed to build a new life—finding a job, moving away from home, and trying to leave those shadows behind.
…
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 except cry quietly to herself.
Then, one night, as she sat there in tears, a black cat wandered into her room.
His name was Charcoal. Her roommate had gone on vacation and left him in Claire's care—that was why the door had been left ajar. And Charcoal… she wasn't sure if he had sensed her distress or if he simply wanted attention, but he padded over anyway.
Either way, she suddenly had a warm, furry friend by her side.
He hopped onto her lap, curled up, and meowed softly. As Claire stroked his sleek fur, he purred and closed his eyes, utterly content.
A small, trembling 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, enough to last at least a week. And luckily, her roommate would be coming back tomorrow. But still… to think her roommate would return only to find Claire's dead, stinking body…
Claire shivered.
Damn… let's not think about that.
I'm very sorry, Vanessa…
Anyway, back to Charcoal.
She had loved it when he came into her room, purring, then nudged his head against her legs as if asking for pets. The simple warmth of that gesture had once kept her heart afloat.
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 pound 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 clearly—her eyes were red and swollen, her whole face weary and drained. But the moment she saw Claire, a faint chuckle slipped past her lips… followed by a small, fragile smile.
"Pet me!" Claire demanded with another meow. "You'll feel better!"
"Hey… you want a pet?" Emilia asked, her smile softening.
"Yes!"
Claire meowed again, stretching up on her hind legs and pawing lightly at 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!!!!!!
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, soothing 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 flop over and never move again.
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 nice," Emilia murmured with a soft smile. "You're the chillest kitty I've ever met! 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 with curiosity.