With Ellie mad at him and wanting nothing to do with him, Joel often found himself sitting alone on his porch during early mornings and late nights, thinking and sulking. However, recently, there was a stray that kept coming around. At first, he didn't like the cat that kept coming to his house, searching for food and staring at him at all hours of the day. But he grew used to it, fond of it even. Every morning, evening, and night, he'd leave out food for the little critter, sneaking a few pets in when the cat was occupied with stuffing its face. Soon enough, the stray became his unofficial pet. Each morning, he was out on his porch, and there was that same cat basking in the sun while laying on the porch stairs or railings. And each night it was there again, curled up near the door. Recently, six weeks ago, he noticed a change in the little cat. A plump belly that only seemed to grow plumper. It didn't take a genius to realize this little kitty was soon to be a mama. He left more food out and even took the time to make a makeshift bed out onto the front porch.

It was late at night, snow falling rapidly as Joel stood near the window and watched, holding a cup of coffee in his hands before a familiar meow drifted to his ears. With a slight smile, he walked over to the front door, chuckling to himself when he saw you sitting in front of the door, snow covering your fur while you sat and stared at him.

"Snowin' pretty hard out there, huh, mama?" He chuckled, setting his mug down before opening the door slightly, "C'mon. Can't leave ya out there all cold with yer babies. Get in."