Sarah Chamberlain

“Floyd hopped up on the loveseat next to me.
"Hi, pal," I said, feeling a little drained. "Your mom should be back soon."
His meow sounded like a whine.
"I know the feeling. But maybe I can help you out?"
When I went to the kitchen and cut up a scallop, he meowed again and went up on his hind legs, begging.
"Did you just twirl?" I said, astonished.
I sat back down on the sofa and put my hand out, and he became a little furry seafood vacuum.
"I didn't know you could purr as you ate. That's kind of amazing."
He headbutted my empty hand, and I took a hint and ran it through his silky fur. I dug my fingertips around his ears and chin, and he closed his eyes and purred even more loudly.
"Such a good boy," I said, feeling a little better. "You like that? Is that, oof!" His big back feet drove the air out of me while he climbed onto my chest. "Jesus, cat, at least buy me a drink first." He ignored my smartass comment and stretched out from my thighs to my shoulders.
"I guess this is me now. Your throne, forever."
Green-gold eyes blinked slowly.
"Are you smiling?"
He rested his head under my chin and sighed.
We hadn't had animals when I was a kid. Too messy, Mom said. Too needy,
Dad said.
But maybe this was the upside of being needed. Quiet, sweet moments like this one. "OK," I told him. "Just for a little bit."

Ellie


Was Kieran crooning? Maybe the wall of the cottage was distorting his voice?
"That feels so good, doesn't it, bud? Such a big, nice cat. Yes, you are."
Yes, he was. He rubbed Floyd's cheeks and my cat melted for him like fluffy butter.”
― Sarah Chamberlain, The Slowest Burn

“I know you could be the man for Mari, if you wanted."
My dearest wish, which felt as impossible as the sky turning neon pink.”
― Sarah Chamberlain, Love Walked In