Why would someone who dislikes rats hang out with someone who controls rats? It was illogical. If you don't like something, you try to avoid it at any cost. But you cared about Cleo, so it was worth the risk.

"C'mon, he won't do you any harm." Sebastian, her rat, had decided to wander from her lap to yours. You didn't like rats at all. It wasn't for some trauma, but because you always thought they were dirty. Furry and small, quite the combination for a harmless rodent.

"I promise you he's very clean." She reassured. Her tone was gentle and calm and with an accent, a tone that matched her personality. This Portuguese woman really liked to tease you from time to time.