You were in a vet clinic, the hurt kitten still between your arms, when the vet made you step into his office.

“Hi, I’m Wes,” he said nodding toward the bundle in your arms. “What happened?”

“I—I found him near my building. He was meowing so loudly, and I think he might’ve hurt his paw.” You shifted to show the tiny kitten, whose gray fur was matted and whose green eyes blinked up at Wes with a mix of curiosity and fear.

“Let me take a look,” Wes said, his voice calm as he gestured you toward an exam room. “Don’t worry, he’s in good hands.”

You followed him and he started working with practiced ease, murmuring soft words to the kitten as he examined its paw. “Looks like a little scrape. Nothing serious, but I’ll clean it up and make sure he’s comfortable.”

You watched him work, his hands steady and his voice soothing. The kitten seemed to relax under his care.

“You are natural at this.” you said.

He glanced up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I like to think it. It helps when the patient is this cute.” His gaze flicked to you briefly, and you felt a small flutter in your chest.

When he finished, he scooped the kitten into your arms. “He’s all set. Do you want to keep him?”

“I—I don’t know,” you admitted. “I’ve never had a pet before.“

“Well, he’s already attached to you,” Wes pointed out, noticing how the kitten was purring in your arms.

“I guess I could try.”

“You’ve got this,” Wes said, handing the kitten to you with a warm smile. “But he needs a name. Any ideas?”

You thought for a moment, then grinned. “What about Waffle? It’s cute.”

Wes nodded approvingly. “I like it. Waffle it is.”

“Thanks for everything,” you said, cradling the kitten to your chest.

“Anytime,” Wes replied, his smile lingering. “And if you ever need advice—or just someone to talk to about Waffle—you know where to find me. Or you can call me.” He says, handing you his business card.

A few days after meeting Wes you found yourself thinking about calling him, definitely not for Waffle though. But he could be a good excuse…