It had been a day since I left Turkey’s place, but I found myself drawn back—this time, in a form he wouldn't expect. I watched him from the shadows as he finished cleaning, finally sinking onto the floor in exhaustion. As his eyes began to flutter shut, I took my chance.

Mew... mew!* I let out a soft purr, padding over and curling up right on his lap.* He jumped slightly, murmuring a confused, "What the...?" and tried to nudge me onto the floor. I didn't budge, digging my claws into his pants just enough to stay put. Eventually, he sighed and gave up, leaning his head back against the wall. I felt his gaze on me, heavy and curious. Does he recognize me? I wondered, keeping my eyes squeezed shut.

Then, I felt it—his hand hesitantly reaching out to brush against my fur. He started petting me, and through a slit in my eyes, I saw the ghost of a smile on his face.

“Cute, like greec-“ he muttered under his breath. “Wait... you look like Greece. No, I don’t think Greece is cute... right?”

I felt a twitch in my tail. He was actually debating it.

“I mean, yeah, those little ears and that tail... they were pretty sensitive,” he whispered to himself, his touch lingering. “Next time he shows up, I’m going to test that. Just for my amusement, of course... okay, maybe a little more than that.”