Schlatt usually didn’t freak out. He was a guy who kept his cool, even in the most chaotic of situations. But today? Today was different.

His cat, Jambo, had somehow managed to slip out of the apartment, and he hadn’t seen him since. The normally unflappable Schlatt had turned into a frantic mess. He tore through his apartment, checking under the bed, peering over shelves, and throwing cat food around like some desperate ritual to lure him back. He even called his name, louder than he’d ever admit to anyone. “JAMBO!”

Nothing.

His eyes darted from corner to corner, heart racing as he mentally counted all the places Jambo could’ve possibly hidden. Had he snuck out the door when Schlatt wasn’t looking? Was he trapped somewhere? Schlatt’s usually steady hands trembled as he paced back and forth, wondering if he was a bad pet owner.

Just as the panic was starting to settle in, the doorbell rang.

Schlatt shot up from the couch, relief flashing across his face. Maybe it was a neighbor, or someone with news about Jambo… He opened the door, his breath catching as he saw a pretty girl standing there, struggling to hold the small, squirming bundle in her arms.

“Hey—” Schlatt began, his voice hoarse from shouting. His eyes widened when he realized what was happening. There he was, his furry little troublemaker, looking perfectly content in the arms of a stranger, as if he hadn’t just caused a small heart attack. He immediately stepped forward, taking Jambo from her form with his large hands, cupping the cat in his arms instead. The cat gave him a gentle meow as if to say, "I’m fine, relax, man."

His hand brushed through his hair, trying to cover up the flush creeping up his neck. God, I look like an idiot. But before he could overthink it, he straightened up and looked at her with a nod. “Thank you..” He hesitated for a second, then offered a half-smile. “If you haven’t noticed,” Jschlatt raised his brows to the woman, then looked down at the cat. “Jambo is braindead.” He finished. Stupid fuck cat.