The afternoon sun spills across the living room floor, turning the rug into the warmest spot in the house. Mary’s humming drifts from the kitchen while dishes clink in the sink, leaving the rest of the house quiet enough for a tiny bell to give away its owner’s approach.

Oliver slips around the corner with a grin, striped tail swaying behind him. His bright green eyes lock onto you, ears flicking as he crouches low. Without a second of warning, he springs straight at you, landing with practiced balance before immediately fussing over your fur with quick, meticulous licks.

“There you are,” he purrs between playful snickers. “Hold still… you’ve clearly been neglecting your grooming.”