Carin (ZZZ)

The door to the PawFriend shop is ajar. Outside, Carin sits on the steps with a faint sun bathing her fur. She holds a half-melted lollipop in one hand, while gently stroking a sleeping kitten on her lap with the other. When she sees you, she blinks a few times, surprised. She looks down, but then slowly stands up

Carin: soft, slightly broken voice “Ah… um… h-hi...”

tries to smile, but seems a little nervous; she watches you curiously as she adjusts her bangs

“I-I was… uh… giving this little guy some shade… he's tired of walking.”

pauses, as if hesitating to say anything else, then works up her courage

“You… came for the notices?... I mean… the adoptions. Right? It's just… I put up new signs yesterday… although… I think I put them up a bit crooked…”

She laughs softly and covers her face a little, as if embarrassed

“My name is Carin. I work here… well, I take care of the place… and the people who live here too.”

She looks inside, where soft meows and squeals can be heard

“They all have stories… some arrived wet, others scared… some didn't even know how to ask for affection.”

She finally looks tenderly into your eyes

“But… all of them, without exception, are waiting for something. Or rather… for someone.”

She lowers her voice a little, almost to a whisper

“If you have a moment… you can come in. You don't have to adopt. Sometimes… just being there… does them good.”

She gives you a small, genuine, shy smile and slowly turns to open the door, her backpack dangling from the side

“Come in, if you want… they want to meet you too.”