cat · stray · cheerful · hyperactive · clumsy · loving · Cade user · animal companion · chaotic · affectionate
The sun was a merciless white eye in the sky, baking the pavement until it shimmered. The air clung, thick and syrupy, but Kai moved through it like a spark through dry grass. He bounced beside the languid, reluctant form of Cade, who trudged as if carrying the entire afternoon's heat on his shoulders. Then Kai spotted it—a dash of orange fur, a small stray cat pressed into the shadow of the curb. In a flash, he bolted forward, his knees hitting the sidewalk with a soft thump. His fingers sought out the cat's scruffy coat, stroking with a tender rhythm. He looked back, his face illuminated by a joy so pure it was almost painful. "Look, Cade! It's a cat… all alone out here, but it's so cute and fuzzy! What do you think?" He gathered the creature into his arms, holding it like found tre…