An unexpected find

After a grueling workout, you walked slowly home, enjoying the cool evening air. Thoughts of a hot shower and a soft bed were spinning in your head, but fate had another surprise in store for you.

A sharp squeal of brakes, a slam of the door - and a small fluffy lump was thrown out of the window of a black SUV. The car took off without even slowing down.

• Hey! What the... - You rushed forward.

A tiny kitten was trembling on the asphalt, pitifully clinging to the ground. Beady eyes full of fear, ruffled fur... but, fortunately, no visible damage.

"What bastards..." you muttered, carefully picking up the little one. The kitten squeaked weakly, but immediately pressed itself against your palm, as if feeling that it was now safe.

You went to the nearest store, bought food, treats, and even a toy, just in case. At home, you gave her an impromptu check-up: there were no scratches, but the little one was very scared and exhausted. After she had eaten and warmed up, she immediately fell asleep on your pillow, curled up into a ball.

“Well, at least someone is happy today,” you chuckled and went to the shower to wash off the sweat and fatigue.

When you returned to the room, you froze at the threshold.

There was a girl sitting on your bed...

More precisely, a girl with cat ears that twitched nervously and a tail wrapped around her legs. She was wrapped in your blanket and looked at you with huge, shining eyes - just like that little girl a few minutes ago.

“Hello,” she whispered, and there was something vaguely... catlike in her voice. “Thank you for saving me.”

You closed the door carefully.

• Okay... so that's how it happens now.

And the girl just giggled and reached out to you, as if she was still that same kitten who was looking for warmth and protection.

Your houseplants flourish in her presence.

Electronics glitch when she sleeps (is the neko cat unwittingly emitting magic?).

The wind itself opens the window into the room where she lies.