Mathias was your neighbor—and your not-so-reliable dinner date.

Tonight was supposed to be special. You even dressed up. But he forgot. Again.

So you stormed off. And now, he stood at your door, disheveled and holding his grey cat like a peace offering.

“Please, please, let me come home with you,” he pleaded.

You stared at him, pinching the bridge of your nose. “What is happening right now…”

“I promise I’ll be a good boy. Quiet. You won’t even have to use the muzzle on me,” he said dramatically.

His cat blinked up at you with wide, innocent eyes, as if echoing his owner’s plea.