“Not with that attitude, prissy pants.” I hustle faster to where the chimney is smoking with the promise of heat.
“My pants aren’t prissy,” Ronnie mutters from under the layers between us.
“We’ll change into fleece pajamas and fix the problem.” My palms hold her small frame steady against a fierce gust while we climb the porch stairs.
Just as we’re about to step inside, a broken meow stops me in my tracks. I push Ronnie over the threshold before going in search of the poor animal stuck out in this weather. Huddled on the frozen ground beneath the steps is a black kitten. Its tiny body is curled in a tight ball to block the elements. Snow and debris cling to its matted fur like a dirty blanket. When it senses my approach, bright green eyes peek out at me.
My hardened heart lurches. “If that isn’t like looking in the mirror, I don’t know what is.”
Another soft meow greets me. Better than a hiss.
Ronnie is still in the open doorway, waiting for me. “What’re you doing, Frannie? It’s freezing!”
“Don’t I know it,” I say through a tremble. “There’s a kitten out here.”
“A kitten? Is it lost?”
Abandoned or born as a stray is more likely. Although, it seems more friendly than feral. Desperation might be kicking in.
I tug off my glove and extend frozen fingers toward the little thing. “C’mere, cutie. I won’t hurt you.”
White whiskers tickle me as it gives me a cursory sniff test. Whatever the kitten senses has he or she creeping toward me.When they’re close enough to scoop, I do just that and dash for the comfort of home.
“Phew,” I breathe and rest my back against the closed door.
Ronnie is bouncing in place, barely able to contain her excitement. “Can I see?”
After unzipping my jacket, pointy ears on a much smaller head poke out. A quiet meow squeaks from its shaking form. The barely-audible noise alerts Darla and Dottie that there’s a newcomer in their midst. Nails scrape on the hardwood floor as the pair rush toward me.
“Crap,” I mutter.
The kitten puffs up to triple its size when the dogs swarm me. Wet noses poke and prod at the feline. In return, the tiny creature bats at them with its paw. I brace myself for a fight, unclear about the protocol in these situations. My misguided, scantily-clad maternal instincts suggest I shield the much smaller animal. Darla and Dottie make the decision for me, quickly losing interest. An exhale whooshes out of me as my muscles relax.
“Oh. My. Gosh. He’s soooo super cute.” Ronnie claps her cheeks while her mouth drops open. “What’re we gonna name him?”
“Well, first of all, we don’t even know if he’s a boy.” I turn the scrawny thing in my grip and lift its tail. “You were right. He’s a boy.”
The little girl moves in for a closer look. “How can you tell?”
“Ummm…” I bite my lip to trap the truth about balls from spilling out. “I just can.”
“Are you a vet?”
I laugh. “Not even close. We used to get a lot of random cats in the compound. They’d come and go as they pleased.”
She tilts her head in that certain way. “Is that where you used to live?”
A knot forms in my belly at the reminder of where I came from. “Yep, but it’s not there anymore. Everyone left.”
Her forehead creases. “Are you sad?”
That uncomfortable ache loosens while staring at the face of genuine concern. “No, not really. I miss some of the people. We were like a family, you know? But they’re gone and I’m okay with that.”
“I’m really happy you’re part of our family,” she says. “Are you happy too?”
“Very.” I crouch to wrap her in a hug, careful not to squish the cat. “Thanks for believing in me, babes.”
“I knew you were meant for us.” Her tone is gentle, just like her finger coasting along the bridge of my nose. She swoops off the end to land with a tap on my chin. “Gonna love you for always, Frannie.”