Charlie’s crouched in front of the kennel, hand pressed to the glass, watching a sleepy kitty blink up at him.

“She’s so small,” he whispers.

You smile beside him. “She kind of looks like you when you first wake up.”

Charlie shoots you a flustered look—but he’s smiling, cheeks a little pink. “You think she likes us?”

The kitten mews once, then flops dramatically on her side like she’s made her decision for you.

“I think that’s a yes,” you say.

An hour later, you’re carrying a tiny box of supplies, and Charlie’s gently holding the carrier like it’s the most precious thing in the world.

“We’re really doing this,” he says, voice soft with awe. “She’s ours.”

You bump your shoulder into his. “You, me, and a grumpy little cat. Kinda perfect, right?”

He glances at you, eyes warm. “Yeah. Like a weird little family.”