"What's so unique about them?" Henson asked.

Norah recounted the story of how her neighbor had secretly left dinner for her on her very first night.

Henson's eyes narrowed with instant suspicion. "A guy or a girl?"

"I have no idea!"

"Didn't they leave a note?" Henson pressed. "You couldn't tell from the handwriting?"

Norah blinked in realization. "Oh, right! But I threw the sticky note in the trash, and the housekeeper already emptied it."

She hadn't paid much attention to the handwriting at the time, and now she couldn't picture it at all.

Henson shot her a look of utter disdain. "I seriously suspect Uncle Jonathan paid someone to forge your college diploma."

Norah gasped. "Excuse me?"

Henson waved off the banter, his tone turning serious. "Listen, if it's a guy, a

stranger handing out unwarranted favors is definitely up to no good. He might even try to find some lame excuse to get inside your apartment. Whatever you do, do not let him in."

Norah brushed off his concern. "I haven't even seen them since."

Henson scoffed. "He's probably just playing the long game to catch a big fish. Or in your case, a gullible little minnow!"

Norah lunged forward to tickle him. "Who are you calling a minnow?!"

Henson smoothly dodged out of the way, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Hey, save that ferocity for the outside world. If anyone tries to mess with you, just claw at them exactly like that!"

Norah laughed. "Relax, I'm not that helpless!"

On Monday, Norah didn't get back to her apartment building until eight in the evening, grabbing a takeout combo from a restaurant downstairs on her way up.

As she walked past her neighbor's apartment, she instinctively threw a glance at the door and noticed it was cracked open.

She slowed her pace, peering into the sliver of space, but saw absolutely nothing.

Feeling a twinge of disappointment, she stepped up to her own door and reached for her keys. Suddenly, a soft meow echoed from behind her.

She spun around, her eyes widening in sheer shock.

Standing right behind her was a pure

poised

white Persian cat. It right

delicately on its front paws it its

brown eyes locked onto her with

intense focus.

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It seemed absolutely thrilled. The second Norah turned around, the cat launched

itself through the air, pouncing straight at her.

Startled, Norah scrambled backward until her spine hit the door, instinctively catching the fluffy creature in her arms.

The cat immediately started working its charm, nuzzling into her chest, eagerly

licking her hand, and swishing its tail in frantic, joyful excitement.

Norah stood frozen against the wood, holding the cat awkwardly against her chest, her mind entirely blank.

This cat was way too friendly!

"Meow, meow, meow!" The cat chirped happily, as if waiting for Norah to strike up a conversation.

Finally relaxing her stiff posture,

ket

Norah peeked over at the neighbor's door. I was completely silent inside.

Whoever I

there plearly had no

idea their pet had staged a jailbreak.

A flicker of delight sparked in Norah's chest. Anyone who owned a cat this adorable

had to be a cute, sweet girl.

Since they were neighbors, maybe they could even be friends.

Carrying the cat, she walked over to the neighboring apartment and lightly knocked on the door. "Hello?"

"Hello? Is anyone home?"

The door was already ajar, swinging open easily under her touch, but no one answered.

"I'm coming in!"

Norah stepped inside softly, passing through the entryway and stepping into the living room.

The layout was identical to her own apartment, but the color palette was entirely different. It was bathed in stark shades of ash gray and white exuding a cold minimalist vibe that didn't feel the slightest bit feminine.

Her footsteps made no sound on the thick, pale gray rug. Norah called out again, "Is anyone home? Your cat got out!"

This time, a woman in an apron and rubber gloves hurried out of the kitchen, staring at Norah in surprise. "Who are you?"