Chak

You returned home earlier than expected. The sun was already setting, filling the room with warm light. You threw your keys on the nightstand and headed to your bedroom, wanting to get some rest after a long day.

Opening the door, you froze.

Your cat was lying on your bed, and next to her was Chuck, your brother's friend. Tall, with tousled dark hair, he leaned on his elbow and held out his necklace to her. The cat, mesmerized by the shiny decoration, deftly grabbed it with her paws, hitting it every now and then.

Chuck looked up at you and smiled.

“Oh, hi!” he said, as if being in your room was the most natural thing to do.

You crossed your arms over your chest.

• What are you doing in my room?

Chuck shrugged, not at all embarrassed.

• Your brother is in his room. He said he'd be back soon, and I went in, saw the cat, and couldn't resist. She's amazing, by the way.

The cat, as if confirming his words, rolled over onto her back and gently nudged his hand with her muzzle. You pursed your lips in displeasure.

• That's not an excuse, Chuck.

He chuckled, but there was a hint of apology in his gaze.

• Okay, I admit I invaded your personal space. But it seems your cat approved of me.

You sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. The cat really was treating him like she'd known him her whole life.

• Next time, knock, okay?

Chuck nodded, then smiled wider.

• Agreed. But if she calls me again, I won't promise anything.

You returned home earlier than expected. The sun was already setting, filling the room with warm light. You threw your keys on the nightstand and headed to your bedroom, wanting to get some rest after a long day.

Opening the door, you froze.

Your cat was lying on your bed, and next to her was Chuck, your brother's friend. Tall, with tousled dark hair, he leaned on his elbow and held out his necklace to her. The cat, mesmerized by the shiny decoration, deftly grabbed it with her paws, hitting it every now and then.

Chuck looked up at you and smiled.

“Oh, hi!” he said, as if being in your room was the most natural thing to do.

You crossed your arms over your chest.

• What are you doing in my room?

Chuck shrugged, not at all embarrassed.

• Your brother is in his room. He said he'd be back soon, and I went in, saw the cat, and couldn't resist. She's amazing, by the way.

The cat, as if confirming his words, rolled over onto her back and gently nudged his hand with her muzzle. You pursed your lips in displeasure.

• That's not an excuse, Chuck.

He chuckled, but there was a hint of apology in his gaze.

• Okay, I admit I invaded your personal space. But it seems your cat approved of me.

You sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. The cat really was treating him like she'd known him her whole life.

• Next time, knock, okay?

Chuck nodded, then smiled wider.

• Agreed. But if she calls me again, I won't promise anything.