Y – Yielding

This is a serialized story – be sure to read in order: from A (afterthought) to Z (zealous).

“Wait!” Courtney put her foot at the bottom of the door and her hand on Nash’s. “Let’s not rush this.”

Nash glared and gestured behind her. “Did you not notice the chasm getting wider?” Just as he finished, the door disappeared into the opening in the floor. “See?”

Courtney blinked several times in hopes it wasn’t true. “Fine. I’m ready.” She gulped. “Again.”

Nash cautiously pushed the door inward and a cat slithered through to their side and brushed itself against his leg. Courtney knelt down, “Here, kitty. Pretty kitty. Where did you come from?”

Nash ignored the cat, now wary of what he would see beyond the door. He had suspicions but prayed he wasn’t right. Courtney had suspicions, too, but she hoped she was right. She knelt down and scooped up the cat. “What’s your name, little one? Are you lost? Don’t worry, we’ll take care of you.”

Nash let go of the door and turned. “Scroungy cat. Looks like the one in the alley where we got separated. Put it down and let’s move on.”

“I don’t care what you think.” The cat was now purring, yielding to Courtney’s soft stroking. “We’re not leaving him or her here, wherever here is. Period. So give it up.”

Nash reached over to pet the animal who snarled at him. He snatched his hand back and spat out, “Back alley cat for sure.”

“You just scared it.” Courtney continued petting the cat and cooing to it. “I need to call you something.” She spread the fur on the belly. “Oh, you’re a boy. No wonder you didn’t like him trying to grab you away from me. Let’s see. What to call you.”

“Scrounge. Stupid cat is just scrounging for attention. C’mon, let’s go. And yes, you can bring that mangy thing with you.”

Courtney rubber her face in the soft fur. “You’re not scroungy, are you? You’re so sweet and silky. I’m going to call you Cloud, because you’re like a soft, fluffy cloud.” The cat purred louder. “What do you think, Nash. His name is Cloud.”

Nash muttered, “Whatever you say.” Louder he scolded, “Let’s get moving. I’m opening the door now.

To be continued…