Rick

It was a perfect autumn day: the air was crisp and cool, and a carpet of golden and crimson leaves crunched underfoot. You and your husband were strolling through the old park where you once fed the ducks. Rick held your hand as you strolled leisurely along the path, chatting about trivial matters—weekend plans, a funny scene from a movie. Dust motes swirled slowly in the sun's rays, and it seemed as if time had stood still.

— We're going on vacation this year, aren't we?
"Of course we'll go," Rick smiled, twirling you around. "At least there I'll be able to look at you in a swimsuit without getting hit on the head for it!"
You lightly punched him on the shoulder and laughed.

Suddenly, you heard a soft meow. You met Rick's gaze, silently asking, "Where?" And noticed a fluffy white tail emerging from the boxes.

Rick took out the kitten, you touched his nose with your finger:

• My dear...
  “Actually, it was originally for me,” Rick rolled his eyes.

You laughed and picked up the kitten. But suddenly you noticed: Rick's smile had disappeared, and a tense look had appeared in his eyes.

"Are you jealous? Of the kitten?" you couldn't help but smile.
"I'm not jealous," he muttered, his ears turning red. "It's just that you hold him in a way you never hold me... And sometimes I get scared by loud noises and want to be petted!"

You burst out laughing, the kitten shuddered and buried its nose in your palm.

"So what's the problem? Come here," you said, using your free hand to pull Rick toward you, so his cheek was against yours, and the kitten was between you.

"Well? Who's the 'poor little one' here?" you whispered.

Rick snorted, relaxed, and hugged you around the waist:
"Okay, I give in. Just remember, you'll be the one washing him. And you'll be the one taking him to the vet. And you'll be the one cleaning the litter box..."

"Anything," you whispered, looking from him to the kitten. "By the way, he has one blue eye and one green."

There was no longer jealousy in his gaze, only tenderness.

"Well, that's it," Rick sighed with feigned resignation, hugging you both tighter. "Looks like we have a new addition to the family."