Unrequited Love: Fate Worst Then Death

7. Pet

... 4 years ago...

"Come on, let's check what's going on," I said, grabbing Alice's arm and tugging her toward the growing crowd. She hesitated, mumbling something about it not being our business, but I ignored her protests.

When we finally broke through the circle of people, I froze. My heart sank.

At the center of the commotion was a small, stray kitten lying in the dirt, writhing in pain. Its tiny body was trembling, and the sharp contrast between its vulnerability and the cold indifference of the onlookers was gut-wrenching. Most of them stood idly, clicking photos or whispering among themselves, some even cringing in disgust.

The kitten's mismatched eyes—one a piercing blue, the other a vibrant green—locked onto mine. They seemed to hold oceans of pain, pleading for help. My chest tightened.

"Alice," I said, my voice trembling, "we have to help it. Do you know of any vets nearby?"

I knelt down beside the kitten, stroking its tiny head as gently as I could. It flinched at first but then leaned into my touch, its small body quivering slightly less. I tried to lift it but immediately stopped—it was so fragile, as though it might shatter under my fingers.

"Look how heartless these people are," I muttered, barely holding back tears. "Someone hit it and didn't even have the decency to look back. And now, instead of helping, everyone is standing around like this is some kind of show. Just because it can't speak doesn't mean it deserves this kind of cruelty."

Alice crouched beside me, her expression softening. "Brad might know of a nearby vet," she said. Turning toward the car, she waved him over.

"Brad! Come here!"

He jogged over quickly, concern etched across his face. "What's wrong?"

"Do you know of any vet clinics nearby? Also…" I hesitated, glancing at the kitten. "Can you pick it up? I'm scared I might hurt it."

Brad nodded without hesitation. He knelt beside me, moving carefully to lift the kitten. "Be gentle," I whispered, my voice breaking slightly. "It's so delicate—don't hurt it."

With painstaking care, Brad cradled the kitten in his large hands, as though it were made of glass. The kitten let out a faint, pitiful meow that shattered the remaining fragments of my heart.

Once the kitten was safely settled in the car, Brad started driving. I sat in the back seat, the fragile creature curled up beside me. Its tiny body seemed to relax slightly, but the limpness in its movements made me uneasy.

Leaning against Alice, I whispered, "Alice, can we save it? You always told me when I was little that we're obligated to help those in distress, human or not."

Alice wrapped her arm around me in her warm, reassuring way. "Selena, we'll do everything we can," she said softly. "Remember, if we weren't meant to help this kitten, we wouldn't have found it. And even if, God forbid, we can't save it, we have to trust there's a reason for everything. At least we'll know we tried."

She believes in her God as if He can work miracles. Let's see what Alice's faith can do. After a thirty-minute ride, we reach the veterinary hospital.

"This is the best vet care nearby," Brad says, helping us out of the car. "Let's get him inside."

A ward boy approaches, taking the kitten gently from us and rushing it to the doctor. We follow behind, anxiety hanging over us like a dark cloud.

After a while, the vet steps out of the examination room. "Who's responsible for the kitten?" he asks, scanning the small crowd in the waiting area.

Without thinking, I rush forward. "I am. How is he?"

"He's sustained fractures in two of his legs. Surgery is necessary to fix the bones. Are you ready to pay for it?"

Surgery? For an animal? My thoughts race. Is it even right to spend so much money on an animal?

"Alice…" I whisper, turning to her. "Do you think it's okay? I mean, I have some savings, but... will Mom and Dad scold me for this?"

Alice places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Selena, it's your decision. If you believe this kitten deserves a chance, then go for it. But remember, if you save him, it'll be your responsibility to adopt and care for him."

Her words hit me hard. Why am I hesitating? Didn't I bring him here to save his life? Why am I weighing money against a living being's right to survive? Would I hesitate like this if it were a human?

Taking a deep breath, I nod. "I'll pay for the surgery, Doctor. Please do whatever is necessary."

The vet gives me a brief smile before nodding. "Good choice. By the way, it's a male kitten—Persian breed, doll-faced, and with rare heterochromatic eyes. One blue, one green."

Two hours later, the vet emerges from the operating room, looking calm and collected. "The surgery was successful," he announces. Relief washes over me, and I feel like I can breathe again.

During the operation, I had plenty of time to think, and I decided on a name: Maxon. It suits my little furball perfectly.

Mom called earlier, asking why we were late. I told her we'd witnessed an accident and were helping someone. She wanted to know more, but I skillfully dodged her questions and ended the call.

"You know Candice is terrified of cats, right?" Alice reminds me as we prepare to head home.

I nod. Of course, I know. If I'd mentioned we were bringing a kitten home, Mom probably would've fainted on the spot. We'll deal with that fallout later.

"But I believe you'll win over Ryan," Alice adds with a grin. "You've got that man wrapped around your little finger."

I can't help but smile. True. Dad is on my side, always.

The vet—whose name I've learned is Dr. Was—inspects Maxon one last time before letting us leave. "Be very careful with him. Since you found him on the road, there's a chance he escaped from his owner or was abandoned. Either way, he's fragile right now. His stitches are fresh and need weekly dressing. Make sure to bring him for regular checkups, too."

"Yes, Doctor. I'll make sure of it," I promise.

Dr. Was raises an eyebrow. "He'll also need proper food, rest, and some basic supplies. Do you have everything he'll need at home?"

Not wanting to admit I hadn't thought that far ahead, I assure him we'll manage. Soon, I'm out buying cat food, a cozy bed, a few toys, shampoo, and a collar for Maxon.

On our way home, however, Alice insists we make a stop at the church.

"Alice, can't your God rest for a day? You can visit the church some other time," I grumble, exhausted from the long day.

She shakes her head, her resolve unyielding. "No, now it's more important than ever. I want to thank God—not just for Maxon's life, but for seeing you smile again. It's been so long since I've seen this spark in your eyes. And if Maxon is the reason, then I have even more reason to be grateful."

I glance down at Maxon, curled up peacefully between us in the backseat. For once, I don't argue.

"Okay, let's get this done for once," I mutter as Alice tugs me along. My mind drifts again—those charcoal orbs, smooth hair. How would it feel to run my fingers through those soft locks? God, why am I thinking about him again? What is it about him that pulls me in deeper every time?

"And you're coming with me, Selena," Alice interrupts my thoughts. "I'd already decided—if Jesus saves Maxon, then you're stepping into that church with me. Just this once. No arguments." She says it all in one breath, leaving me no room to protest.

What can I do? I can't go against Alice, not after all she's done for me. It's been ages since I last stepped foot in a church, and now I should—for her.

"But I'm not praying," I warn her. "I'll just stand beside you. Don't expect anything more than that. Are we clear, old lady?"

She grins, looking far too pleased with herself.

"Come on, let's get in. We're here."

Wow, I'd been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't realized we'd arrived. After a moment's hesitation, I decide to follow her in. Alice grabs my hand, practically skipping with excitement.

I glance back at Brad, who leans against the car door, arms crossed. "Brad, keep an eye on Maxon. We won't be long."

"Rest assured, Selena."

Inside, as promised, I stand beside Alice, who kneels in prayer. My thoughts wander back to yesterday and the strange sequence of events.

Yesterday, in a moment of frustration, I'd asked for something—anything—to make life meaningful again. A reason to live, someone to love, some reward for all the hardships I'd endured. And then... Revan. His name lingers in my mind like a quiet echo, stirring something deep within me.

And Maxon? Was he also a sign? Was it all just coincidence?

Without realizing it, I find myself on my knees beside Alice. She looks at me, astonished, but says nothing.

Closing my eyes, I murmur a quiet prayer, my first in years. "I don't know why I'm here, why I feel this way, or why my heart races at the thought of a stranger. If this is meant to be, if I'm meant to have a chance with him, please… guide me. Bless me with him. This is the only thing I'm asking of you after everything you've put me through."

I exhale deeply, rise to my feet, and leave the church without another word. Alice follows, quiet the entire way.

__________________

When we finally arrive home, Mom is waiting at the entrance, arms crossed.

"Whom did you say you were bringing along, Selena?"

"Hi, Mom," I greet her, sidestepping the interrogation. Best to get inside before she kicks Alice and me out preemptively.

"Alright, get in, and—"

"Mom, please sit. We need to tell you something."

At that moment, Brad walks in, carrying Maxon in the carrier we'd bought earlier.

"What's in that?" Mom's curiosity quickly turns to alarm when she sees Maxon.

I open the carrier, and Maxon steps out, stretching his tiny legs. Mom's reaction is immediate—a shriek escapes her lips as she scrambles back onto the sofa.

"Selena! Keep that thing away from me! Why did you bring it here?"

"Mom, this is what I was talking about," I explain, recounting the entire story of how we found Maxon.

As I finish, Dad enters the room. His eyes immediately fall on Maxon, who, as if on cue, pads over and rests his head on Dad's lap. Dad looks utterly charmed.

"We can keep him, Candice," Dad says, trying to coax Mom. "Look how cute he is."

"Okay," Mom says after a long pause.

Wait, did she just agree?

"But only until tomorrow," she adds firmly. "We'll find a good animal care center and give him away."

______________________