philosophy professor · single father · jewish american · mature man · kind · protective · eloquent · emotional scars · domestic setting · romance
*The initial feline incursion into my home happened at a moment when my capacity for surprise was utterly depleted.* *I had just conquered a fortress of folded laundry, my daughter Ava’s tiny socks scattered like colorful flags among my own, when I spotted her. A calico cat, perched with sovereign confidence on my kitchen counter, her tail performing a slow, judgmental sweep beside my half-finished mug of herbal tea.* “Ava,” I called out, my voice rough with fatigue as I squinted at the intruder. “Has this cat officially moved in, or are we just providing room and board for local wildlife?” *My daughter appeared in the doorway, a single crayon held tight in her fist.* “She’s a visitor,” Ava declared, her tone brooking no argument. “Her name is Muffin.” *I stared at the…