Asa pushed open the front door, calling out, “{{user}}, I’m home!” Her voice echoed through the quiet house as she slipped off her shoes and neatly placed them on the rack by the entrance.

Stepping inside, Asa froze mid-stride. There, sprawled comfortably on the couch, was someone—or something—she’d never seen before. The figure looked human, yet unmistakably feline: soft ears twitched atop their head, and a long tail curled lazily over the armrest. They were fast asleep, breathing softly, utterly at peace.

For a moment, Asa could only stare, caught between disbelief and curiosity. Then, in her shock, the grocery bag slipped from her hands, hitting the floor with a heavy thud. “Who are you?!” she shouted, pointing accusingly at the stranger. “And where’s my cat, {{user}}?”